--of endocrine problems beyond those of the insulin/glucose cycle; those involving the adrenals, the thyroid, the parathyroid . . .but you don't seem to have many indications of these (at least from you've written so far--and I'm not an expert in these areas).

The low iron stores, the cholesterol, and the underweight aspect bring two other possibilites to mind, though. The first is neuropathy through hypertriglyceridemia--hereditary high levels of triglycerides that are not affected very much by diet in those with the condition. This is not a well-researched area, but there are some reports of it. The second is the possibility of neuropathy due to nutrient malabsorption--of vitamin B12, B1, B6--and this can stem from a number of factors, but you definitely should be checked for celiac/gluten sensitivity, which can ITSELF cause neuropathy through direct autoimmune cross-reactivity with nerve components. Getting some triglyceride and Vitamin D levels would also be a good idea (have you had B Vitamin levels done?).

All my vitamin levels were excellent. I am on a B12 supplement and I believe my level was over 1000 on my last test. My Vit. D was good also. I was checked for celiac disease and it was negative. My trig. level is actually very low. It usually runs around 19 but was 23 on my latest blood work. I did test positive for ANA antibodies but I really dont have the symptoms of lupus. I have an appointment with a rheumotologist but it is several months away.
Thank you , gleentaj for all your suggestions. I had to insist that my doctor do the celiac blood test and the gluocose tolerance test. I read on this site how important both of these tests are. I appreciate everyone's advice. I have learned valuable information from reading this message board.

Hi elsie,

I have some of the same problems as you.

recently my endocrinologist did a 2 hour glucose and insuling study. If I remember correctly my numbers were as follows:

fasting glucose 87
2 hour glucose 140
fasting insulin 10
2 hour insulin 152

Doc dx me as glucose intolerant and insulin resistance and called it metabolic syndrome. She put me on low dose of metformin

Diabetes does run in my family and I did have a thryoid problem until I had it removed.

On another note my blood tests also showed me as iron deficient or iron anemic. I too tried the supplements and boy did they upset my gastro system.

But I recently started a prescription once a day iron supplement called repliva. Much more gentle and only once a day. And it has vitamin C in it.

Shelley, I use the slow fe over the counter iron. It is time released and gentle on my stomach. My level was 17 so I hope I can get it up but have heard it can take a while. I will ask about the prescriptioin iron on my next doctors visit. It sounds like a better option with the vit c and only once a day.
I wish I could figure out a way to get my fasting BS down. 97 is almost to the prediabetic level. I feel like I eat a healthy diet now but am going to try and cut out more carbs. Does anyone know how many carbs I should eat per day?
I'm sorry you were diagnosed with metabloic syndrome and hope the metformin brings your numbers in line.

HI. Elsie:

What is your family background? Do any of your parents, grandparents or siblings have diabetes??

Thanks. Melody

Hi elsie,

when you say your iron was at 17, was that the ferritin number or that % aborbsorption? I think my last ferritin number was 24 and % saturation was 14% which is low. But it was improved from the 18 and the 10% where is was.

Again my iron issues are more related to heavy periods. But here is another thought for you. Are you on birth control pills? Sometimes those can affect your sugar readings. And if you have heavy periods you might be estrogen dominant which sometimes goes hand in hand with sugar issues.

I have to say the prescritpion iron is nice once a day because I dont have to worry about taking it too close to my calcim or around milk product etc. Definitely google and read up on it.

Melody, My father was diagnosed with diabetes at the age of 83. His brother had it also at an older age. There is no history of diabetes in my mother's family.
Shelley, 17 is my ferritin number. I have no idea about the absorption. I am not on birth control pills. I am having the problem of having to separate my calcium from the iron and it's such a pain. I will definitely read up on repliva.
Thanks.