Intrepretation of BG test

[Dimes]

I tested my dad's blood glucose this morning. He came in at 6.6 mmol/L as a fasting test. He has not been diagnosed with diabetes.

How should I interpret this reading?

I am reading that 4-6 is normal fasting range, but diagnosis isn't made unless >7.

Thanks

[fgummett]

Exactly... a Fasting BG under 7mmol/l is not indicative of Diabetes. Bearing in mind that these meters are not as accurate as we like to think (up to 20% off by many accounts) I would not draw too much of a conclusion from a single reading. :) Does he have any other signs of Diabetes, that have you concerned? Maybe try a postprandial test 2 hours after the start of a meal to see how well his body manages carbs.

[Dimes]

He said he's been losing weight, and wondered if it could be related to diabetes. I told him we'd have to get him up into the double digits for that to happen, like happened to me last year..

There is a family history (grandfather type 2) though, so it might be the start of something legitimate. I don't want to freak him out though.

[viranth]

You should test him at random points during the day and see, my endo said she'd seen BG up in 18mmol in people that didn't have diabetes after meals.

[matingara]

he should ask his doctor to order an hba1c test.

that is a much better marker than any number of random blood tests. it gives the approximate average BGL over the last 90-120 days.

that is what i would be doing if i were him.

-- Joel.