Is it useful for a non-diabetic to test post meal glucose?

[arzoo]

I am a non-diabetic, however, a couple of my uncles in my mom's side are type 2 diabetics and my mom has been bordering between levels of non-diabetic and pre-diabetes. As such, I do a fasting blood sugar test annually.

I am wondering if there are any benefits for a non-diabetic in keeping record of post meal glucose levels, ie. maybe to be able to tailor and modify meal composition to improve overall blood glucose stability, or something like keeping things in line now will keep pancreatic beta cells functioning w/o overburdening, or the body from becoming insulin resistant sooner. Or, there is no practical benefit currently since the pancreas are functioning well and it doesn't really matter because they can handle and adjust to the burden?

Thanks.

[xMenace]

Assess your risk factors first. Are you obese? Do you exercise regularly? Are you on a MacDiet? If yes to one or more, then it certainly wouldn't hurt, but I think the annual fasting is fine. If that's a self test, make sure strips are not out of date and you verify with duplicate tests. A lab test is preferred.

[princesslinda]

Since you have a family history of diabetes, its great that you are being proactive and keeping watch on things. I've read that the post-meal numbers are the first to indicate progression to diabetes. Generally, doctors check fasting levels, which are the last to indicate a problem, as overnight your body can do what it needs to do to keep your fasting numbers normal for quite awhile.

Personally, I had a normal fasting level at my doctors office about 9 months before diagnosis....and my A1C was 9.6 at diagnosis, showing I had probably had diabetes for some time.

It wouldn't hurt to check the occasional pre and post meal numbers to see how things are going, but i'm not sure i'd do it on a weekly basis. More importantly though is to have an annual physical exam to include an A1C which will give you a 3 month average so if you do progress to diabetes, you'll know before a lot of time has passed. Also, keep your weight at normal and get regular exercise. This can help keep diabetes at bay longer than if you become overweight and sedentary.

[JediSkipdogg]

The basic answer to your question is no....

The best time to test would be when waking, as this finds out what your blood glucose is at a fasting level, non changing most often.

When testing after meals it can be helpful to find out if one is at a risk depdning on how high the BG goes and how fast it returns back down to normal (generally a pre-meal test is needed for this.) As for making adjustments to the meals, keep in mind even a non-diabetic that has zero chances of diabetes will have a rise in BG and the amount depends on what they eat. So changing meal structure just to get the peak less really in my opinion has no point unless they are peaking to say 300 mg/dl which at the point they are most likely diabetic.

[Alice]

I just randomly tested my husband after he ate an entire pizza (minus the two slices I ate!). I joked that I was going to test his blood sugar in a few hours.

I was surprised, but not alarmed he hit 189 at under two hours.

But, I check the next morning, and his fasting was 125 and has been for a few mornings.

He's going for a consult.

Doesn't hurt to do some random screenings, but they really don't show much of a pattern.

[Ronin]

Hi Arzoo!

Your personal concern is noted. If you get annual or semi-annual blood testing done that includes a FBG level that might be sufficient if you have a healthy diet, and exercise as well. If, however, you are "normal" with a family history of diabetes I would add an HbA1c to those regular tests as the A1c gives you and your MD a better perspective on how your body handles carbohydrates over time.

Testing at home can be done but unless you are screening for something specific you will only waste money and, in the process, drive yourself crazy. Once a week a home FBG and one post prandial will probably give you all the data you need at this time.