A question on levels - new here

Cole · #1 (**permalink**) 06-11-2007, 09:15 AM

Hi,

My first post so I hope someone can advise.

I have been having various problems on and off for a couple of years, almost three to be exact.

I cam across a site last night on diabetes and thought wow thats a list of all my symptoms.

Today I purchased a home test and tried it out.

The test came back as between 144 and 180mg, which is apparently not a normal range.

How valid are these home testing kits ?

Thank you

Harold · #2 (**permalink**) 06-11-2007, 09:30 AM

To be approved by the FDA over a range of about 80 to 120 they have be no worse than 20% off. Out of that range they can be farther off. Most manufactures will say will theirs are no worse than 15%, and usually much better over the above range.

Sounds like you need to see a doctor! There are other problems than diabetes that may raise glucose levels.

shockme · #3 (**permalink**) 06-11-2007, 10:32 AM

hi cole and welcome!please see your dr!only he can diagnose and trat you.if it is diabetes,we'll be be here for you!take care,trish

princesslinda · #4 (**permalink**) 06-11-2007, 10:41 AM

Hi Cole, welcome: Like the others, i'd advise you to make an appt with your doctor to get to the bottom of things. Once you know what you're dealing with (diabetes or not, and what type) come here often and ask lots of questions. Let us know what you find out.

Cole · #5 (**permalink**) 06-11-2007, 11:17 AM

Thanks the fast response.

The bottom line is I need to see the doctor

I have been tested for so many things, they thought it was a thyroid issue due to nodules and enlarged goiter and my symptoms were consistant with that. But they came back as normal.

Will my doctor take this over the counter test seriously, should I ?

I'm going to do it again in a day to see what the outcome is.

Penny · #6 (**permalink**) 06-11-2007, 12:56 PM

Cole, were those fasting (in the morning before eating anything) numbers?
Sometimes "normal" people can go high after eating a high carb meal. I would still have the doctor check it out, if he does blood work to test for other things, it shouldn't be a big deal to test for Diabetes, too.

princesslinda · #7 (**permalink**) 06-11-2007, 01:22 PM

Your doctor should take ANY concerns you have seriously, OTC test or not. I would go and see him fasting and request a Hgb A1C which will show an average of your last 90 day blood sugars. This will let you see if you are higher than normal. I don't know that I would repeat an OTC test ....if you have insurance, it should pay for the A1C if you tell the doctor you had a high fasting level.

Cole · #8 (**permalink**) 06-11-2007, 05:00 PM

Thanks.

Those numbers were from 4pm today. I had eaten a small amount of sushi at around 1pm. But nothing else.

Sadly my doctor here in the UK is hard work, so I hope these tests are to be taken seriously.

Lance42 · #9 (**permalink**) 06-13-2007, 10:01 PM

It’s amazing the little things that may take you to a diabetes diagnosis. My only symptom was that when I woke up in the morning my hand had that numb pins and needles feeling. Well I had it for about 2-3 hours after waking up a couple of times a week. My wife made me go since it was in my hand and stretched up my shoulder. From that they just happen to run some routine blood tests. The plain stuff like cholesterol and liver and Kidney function that’s when they found my sugar was high. Boy was it. Maybe your night of surfing the net will help you find the problem and extend your life. Good luck with the Doc. Even if he doesn't take the test seriously only a poor doctor ignores the fears of his/her patients.