Hi Mary,

If your blood sugar swings are a fluke every now and then I would not be concerned but if you repeatedly go high and low, that is NOT normal. I am basing that opinion on information I have received from physicians and from a lot of research I have done.

It may not be diabetes, but it does appear that there is some metabolic issue or another reason for the swings. Since repeated highs can affect nerves, blood vessels and body systems, I would keep track of your levels. Doctors see a lot worse but you do not want to be over looked just because your situation is not BAD at this time. If left undetected and untreated, it could put you at risk for problems down the road and then it will be “noticed”.

My prior lost post was much better than this one is turning out to be so I apologize.

I was diagnosed with diabetes at the age of 56 and had an A1C of 10.2 at that time. For several years prior to that, I had elevated blood sugars on routine lab tests but was not informed of them by my physician. I feel that I was entitled to know even if he did not feel it was significant.

I won’t go into all the drama and details but I changed doctors and began seeing my current endocrinologist. I see him every 90 days.

I would suggest that you continue monitoring your blood sugar levels with your meter and also use the Bayer at home A1C test kit every 8-12 weeks. I would also keep a log to show your endocrinologist on your next visit. My A1C’s are considered “good” or “controlled” for being diabetic but they do not show the fluctuations, only the average for the prior 2 months.

I keep a loose leaf binder on my kitchen counter with a daily log sheet. I record my fasting blood sugar first thing every morning. I record everything and anything that goes into my mouth and the time of day, including medications. I test at least two additional times a day unless I am above 200 or below 65. If those situations arise, I do additional testing to see if they are moving in the proper direction. I will also do additional testing if I am symptomatic.

My fasting blood sugars usually hoover around 100 but have occasions of fasting blood sugar of 156 for no apparent reason. My post prandial sugar levels range from 180 to 300 on medications. My lows are usually in the 50's and 60's and happen several hours after eating or during the night. I am glad I usually wake up and can take action with a low of 50 and dropping. The point here is that my A1C is OK for a diabetic because it averages the highs and lows. It does not show the wide swings that are so hard on my body. That is also why my doctor wants to know what my highs and lows were and the frequency each 90 days, not just the A1C he gets every 90 days from the lab. Sometimes he adds medications or changes them to see if we can level things out.

I am extremely compliant with my diet. I keep my carbs below 15 grams. I can eat the exact same thing and portion size and have a very different blood sugar reaction so I do understand what you are going through. I can eat a small piece of baked fish and a spoon of steamed broccoli and have a post prandial blood sugar above 200. There is nothing, absolutely nothing on the fish or broc..... no salt, butter, sauce, etc. Absolutely plain. The only beverages I drink is water and coffee. I cut out milk for several years and never did drink soda or anything alcoholic. I have since put milk back in my diet but limit it. Rice is totally taboo. That will shoot me sky high, even one teaspoon.

I really wish I had not lost my prior post. It was much better and not so rambling.

A low dose of Metformin might help level out your blood sugars. Metformin will not make you go low but will help to lower the post prandial highs. Of course, that would depend on the reason your blood sugar is volatile. I think a good log will go a long way in getting some answers from your endocrinologist. I do think further investigation is warranted in your situation.

Hopeless