Best times to test BG levels

Ronin · #1 (**permalink**) 06-26-2007, 02:26 AM

Fellow Pre-D's!

There are all kinds of arguments about the value of testing for Pre-D's. However, I do test to try and understand how my body is functioning. I had reduced this to a daily FBG but when that started to creep up, I started more testing during the day.

Some sources say that the most important reading is the two-hour post-prandial (post-meals) test to determine how your pancreas is managing the carbs you ingest.

I'm finding the FBG to be a less valid indicator. Why? Well, last night my Pre-Bed BG was 97

and this morning's FBG was 117

. Whereas my post breakfast is predictable between 105 - 115, and my post lunch comes in around 125, also pretty predictable.

So, what do my fellow Pre-D's think.

cherokee_psh · #2 (**permalink**) 06-26-2007, 10:39 AM

When I was still pre-D I was told to test 3-4 times a day every 3 to 4 days. I picked different times not all fast, before or after. Eventually, I noticed a trouble spot. That trouble time is currently the only time I test. My endocrinologist if fine with that as long as the a1c remains stable.

jerryn · #3 (**permalink**) 06-26-2007, 05:35 PM

Right after my morning shower, When I get gome from work
@18:00, 2Hrs after supper, and at 23:00

I don't test a twork because I don't need anyone knowing my business. Most people there just think I'm following the glycemic index. I prefer to leave it that way.

VinceF · #4 (**permalink**) 06-26-2007, 05:58 PM

I don't know if it's the same for pre-diabetics but some of us type 1's have what's called Dawn Phenomenon. We release cortisol ,a hormon that preps our bodies for the stress of the day and raises our blood sugar. Some have a rather large Blood Glucose change. Sorry for chiming in on the pre-D's but this may explain your rise in the morning

Ronin · #5 (**permalink**) 06-27-2007, 03:06 AM

VinceF, et al.,

Thanks for the responses. What Vince mentions is common among us Pre-D's as well. Which is what drives my question. While the FBG is used to diagnose Pre-Diabetes (i.e., FBG >100 but below 126 on successive tests) it may not be the accurate indicator of how your body is processing carbohydrates, because of the DP effect.

I've also been reading a book by Richard Jackson, MD ("Know Your Numbers, Outlive Your Diabetes"). Primarilly for Type-2's but he does address Pre-D in Chapter 15. Aparently there is an argument in the Diabetic Science Community because not every Pre-D will develop into a Type-2, particularly if they don't have the specific genetic configuration -- unfortunately the scientists still don't have all of the specific genes identified.

My sense is that the post-prandial measurement is a better barometer of how well your body handles carbs and therefore will tell the Pre-D if s/he is sliding towards Type-2 or not. Dr. Jackson also puts a lot of stock in the HbA1c measurment (as well as Blood Pressure, Lipids, Microalbumin, and Retinal Exams).

I do like confirmation as well, so that is why I posed the question.