Whats the difference between T2 and Pre

[fizzgig_sh]

What is the difference between type 2 and Pre Diabetes.

I have been told I have Impared Glocose Tolerance when tested with glucose. I am on diet and exercise treatment.

As I am not on medication does this mean I am not type 2 diabetic?

My lowest BSL was 3.1 and my hightest was 14.1.

As I am not on insulin I believe I am not type 1. But I am not sure if I am type 2 or Pre Diabetic.

Can anyone help as I don't know the difference between type 2 and Pre Diabetic.

Cheers

[rwmetcalf]

Just being here and asking the questions is a great start. Shows motivation.

Pre-diabetes, IMO, means that if you begin to act as if you are a diabetic, use diet and exercise to full advantage, you may never have to worry too much about becoming diabetic. In other words it is a wake up call to begin doing all the things you know you should be doing to keep healthy. It is a warning and a wonderful opportunity to take control of your health.

Unfortunately, it probably also means that you are at greater risk of becoming diabetic even if you lose weight and exercise regularly. It is something you will need to guard against by regularly seeing the Dr. and having your BG checked (and insulin levels).

Avoid sugar, potatoes, bread, rice and pasta. Occasional treats are ok. Go on a low carb diet such as Atkins, Protein Power or something else. It shouldn't take you too long to see great results with your BG and your health.

As I am not on insulin I believe I am not type 1. But I am not sure if I am type 2 or Pre Diabetic.

Chances are you are just pre-diabetic, which would most likely be pre-T2 diabetic. T1 is, generally, where your body (pancreas) stops producing insulin, T2 is, generally, caused by insulin resistance and your body not being able to make enough insulin.

Good luck and let us know how you are doing. This is a great place with caring people who have lots of good advice for others.

Roger

[slipperyelm]

But with a blood sugar of 14.1, how could that be considered anything but diabetic? For USAers, isn't that about the same as 250 mg/dL?

[sweetcheeks]

my friend at work is prediabetic, and as long as there fasting numbers arent that high more than twice, they are still considered to be prediabetic

so if she/he has that much of a high like after a big ice cream, then you know its the food

fasting is what considers you to be diabetic or prediabetic, however if they have a 250 looks to me like getting very very close to actually becoming full blown diabetes

[paulT2]

Hi fizzgig,
I am new to diabetes and to this board but I have been doing a lot of reading on the basics.

This is what I think …

The main difference between being pre – diabetic and having ‘full blown’ type 2 diabetes is the when you are pre diabetic; you still have a chance to influence the direction of the disease.

A pre diabetic who watches how they eat (reducing carbs etc …) and exercises regularly (30 minutes or more at least three times a week) might just prevent the development of diabetes. Or if not prevent it, seriously delay its arrival.

If this is the situation you are in NOW is the time to act. You may be able to prevent the development of diabetes.

You may need to use medication to supplement diet and exercise.

Some Type 2 diabetics who have difficulty controlling their glucose levels may also use insulin - it isn't just Type 1 diabetics who use it.

On a fasting blood test the non diabetic range is anything less than 100 mg/dl (approx. 5.6) from 100 mg/dl through 126 mg/dl (approx. 5.6 – 7.0) is considered pre diabetic. Above 126 mg/dl (approx. 7.0) is considered diabetic.

One ‘high’ test result is not however definite confirmation of diabetes or pre diabetes. Usually the test would be repeated two weeks or so later.

Often a different test is used the second time – a GTT Glucose tolerance test.
On this test the results are judged like this: Less than 140 (approx 7.8) is normal. 140 – 200 (approx 7.8 – 11.11) is pre diabetic. Finally more than 200 (approx. 11.11) is full blown type 2 diabetes.

Either way, to confirm or rule out diabetes you should be tested at least twice on two separate occasions.

You have recorded results that take you into the pre diabetic and type two diabetic ranges but have you had the higher numbers consistently? Get checked out by your doctor.
Impaired Glucose Tolerance is sometimes just that – BUT more often it is a first warning sign of diabetes. HEED THAT WARNING and act now. You may be able to prevent or to slow down the developement of diabetes.
Apologies for the shouting.

[fizzgig_sh]

My lowest BSL was 3.1 and my hightest was 14.1.

That is to say that I dropped to 3.1 at the time of a Bounce.

My highest reading was 14.1, because I didn't believe the doctor when he said that I was diabetic so I ate some chocolate to watch what it did.

Is it only the fasting (first thing in the morning) reading that determines if is t2 or pre.

Or is it more technically determined by how it goes up and comes down during the daily activities, including eating?

[fizzgig_sh]

A pre diabetic who watches how they eat (reducing carbs etc …) and exercises regularly (30 minutes or more at least three times a week) might just prevent the development of diabetes. Or if not prevent it, seriously delay its arrival..

Reduce Carbs? I thought I had to eat carbs with every meal?

On a fasting blood test the non diabetic range is anything less than 100 mg/dl (approx. 5.6) from 100 mg/dl through 126 mg/dl (approx. 5.6 – 7.0) is considered pre diabetic. Above 126 mg/dl (approx. 7.0) is considered diabetic..

I'm not usually under the lower end of 5 usually around upper end of 5 through to low end of 7. So this is good news? It seems I am not seriously diabetic, only a little diabetic (it sound like being a little pregnant, lol). With good management I can slow down the process.

Often a different test is used the second time – a GTT Glucose tolerance test.
On this test the results are judged like this: Less than 140 (approx 7.8) is normal. 140 – 200 (approx 7.8 – 11.11) is pre diabetic. Finally more than 200 (approx. 11.11) is full blown type 2 diabetes..

GTT Base line Started at 5.8
1 hour later 11.8
2 hours later 9.2
3 1/1 hours later 3.1

So this looks good.

Impaired Glucose Tolerance is sometimes just that – BUT more often it is a first warning sign of diabetes. HEED THAT WARNING and act now. You may be able to prevent or to slow down the developement of diabetes.
Apologies for the shouting.

Shouting is in CAPITALS, right?
I will heed that warning. Thanks for you help.

[fizzgig_sh]

The more I learn, the more I find I don't know.

[princesslinda]

Welcome Fizz:
I think all of us here on the forums are in some phase of learning about this disease...probably always will be.

I agree with the previous poster about how now is the time to make some really good lifestyle changes and hopefully put off a full-blown diagnosis of diabetes for as long as you possibly can.

I would eat a lower carb diet and get as much exercise as you can. Also, I would keep a close eye on your blood sugar levels.

Fasting levels are good to know, but for me, I think testing 2 hrs after eating has been invaluable, as then I know the effect certain foods have on my levels so I know what to avoid.

I encourage you to check out a lot of the posts here...you'll find answers to questions you didn't even know you have.

All the best,
Linda

[paulT2]

The more I learn, the more I find I don't know.

Oh, I know that feeling only too well.

Fizz, please keep on learning. Please also note you can not be only " a little bit diabetic " - thats like saying "only a little bit dead"

If you are diabetic, you are diabetic - period (or full stop if you like)

The thing with pre diabetes is the exciting possibility of preventing or slowing down developement of full on diabetes. But you have to act now.