Downright scared and seeking help

[divinity]

I have just turned 19, yesterday while I was talking to my dad he panicked when a a weird fruity smell came from my mouth. So we did a bloodtest and my fasting sugar came out to be 102. I suffer from PCOS and am overweight too. I am so scared, am I going to have diabetes. Is there any way I can avoid this, my parents are not diabetic though my grandparents are, but they never had it when they were so young. I am desperately in need of some help, advice anything which gives me hope. Dealing with PCOS is pretty difficult for me I don't think I am strong enough to deal with two horrendous diseases together. Is there anyway I can undo this, because this situation is really depressing, what should I do.

[howdysf]

102 is a perfectly normal blood sugar number....There's no reason to worry about diabetes w/ a number like that.

[xMenace]

Where did you do the test?

No indication now that you are diabetic, but being overweight and family history are two big risk factors. Make weight loss and eating properly (see my videos) a priority. Lot's of threads here on it. Jump in.

[princesslinda]

Welcome Divinity! Yes it is scary to think about possibly having an incurable disease. However, with PCOS and family history of T2, there is the possibility that at some point in your future you may develop diabetes. Doesn't sound like you have diabetes right now, but there are things you can do now that will hopefully minimize your chances of having T2 diabetes in the future.

Are you currently on metformin? This will help with insulin resistance (common with PCOS).

I'd suggest trying really hard to maintain a normal weight, as this helps with insulin resistance as well. Also get regular exercise and eat a healthy diet, lots of fresh fruit , vegetables lean meats and try to minimize the "junk" that so many of us are so fond of eating.

I had a strong family history of T2 diabetes (mom, grandparents, aunts and uncles), and started gaining weight while in college. I didn't exercise like I should and allowed myself to get quite overweight, eating whatever I wanted. This brought me to full-blown T2 diabetes at age 42. I sometimes wonder how long I could have put it off had I been more proactive in being healthy and staying active.

However, if you do get diabetes, its not the end of the world. You'll find many posters here who live healthy and happy lives with diabetes. Do your best to stay healthy, have an annual physical exam (with blood work such as an A1C). This way if you do someday end up with diabetes you'll know about it before you've had it too long and be better able to control it.

Don't spend lots of time worrying about what "might" happen in the future, you'll drive yourself nuts. Live your life, be happy, be healthy and be proactive. You'll be fine.

[davef]

That number seems to be within the normal range, certainly when you take the tolerance of meters into consideration 102 would be fine.

Just curious, if none of your family have diabetes, why did you Father suspect it and how did you test you blood sugar level? Have you any other symptoms?

[Scrabblechick]

Divinity, I understand how you feel. My dad was diabetic and I used to worry every time I thought I was thirsty and going to the bathroom too often. Well, my worries are over. I have diabetes. Oh well.

Having said that, a 102 fasting blood glucose is in a normal range. Linda gave you some great advice. With PCOS, the time to be proactive is NOW! See if your doc will put you on Metformin which does 2 things: it reduces insulin resistance and helps normalize your hormone levels.

You might also consider a modified diabetic diet. Cut down on carbs like pasta, sugar, white flour, breads, starchy vegetables. Limit the junk. If you have a good place to walk, start by walking 15 minutes a day. Increase your time by five minutes every week or two, until you work up to 30 minutes a day.

I've been overweight most of my life, and I have lost somewhere in the neighborhood of 70 pounds since January doing just this. Nothing strenuous, eating healthy, nutritious food. Look up the low-glycemic diet online and focus on those foods. Do it for one month and see how it goes.

Keep taking care of yourself and let us know how you're doing! :)

[patricia52]

Divinity. I agree with the others, a single fasting BG of 102 is within the normal range. If you are concerned, check your fasting BG for a week. Also check you BG 2 hours after taking the first bite of your biggest meal. You probably don't have anything to worry about but it will make you feel better to have an answer.

[divinity]

:) Sorry for checking this so late .... i had my end term exams
btw thanks for the response ... though my dad always keeps yelling at me to exercise it has a bigger impact with so many people saying the same thing. I was really scared but now i am feeling pretty alright about this .... thanks again

[divinity]

btw i exercised, every day, for an hour, since the 102 discovery, cut down on the unnecessary sweet supply, i took the test again it came out to be 93 fasting, I am not sure how to react at this. Is a fall from 102 to 93 healthy.Should see a doctor?

[fgummett]

OK... where did you get the meter and how do you know how to test with it? Why are you panicking with readings of 102 and 93mg/dl... what information are you using to make you think those readings are anything but normal? :confused:

[divinity]

I think the readings are true, I don't really have a reason to believe they are not, and I am not panicking its just that I discovered pcos recently and then this, the idea of taking an injection before every meal kind of scared me a lot.

[Dewey]

I see nothing wrong with a fall in sugar from 102 to 93. Actually, to me, 102 & 93 are both very good levels. :) I think by exercising and cutting sweets, you are definitely on the right track. Doing those things may not prevent you from developing Diabetes down the road (due to genetics, etc.), but they will help keep things in check in the here & now. Exercise will definitely help you to feel & be healthier. It may take some time, but the results are well worth the effort. I know it may sound easier said than done, but try not to fret too much. Stress only makes things worse, unfortunately. :( Feel free to ask any questions and we'll do our best to help.

[xMenace]

Given expected variances in meter readings -- they are only ballpark figures -- a 102 and a 93 are the exact same reading.

[notme]

Divinity, it sounds like you are doing all the right thigns. You can relax in knowing that your blood glucose numbers and within the normal range. If you started to exercise and cut out sweets, you will find that a drop in your blood glucose is normal and healthy. There is no need to call the doctor unless you are feeling bad.

Keep on exercising and cut out the excess carbs and sweets. You will get the added benefit of weight loss. :)