Checking my blood sugars daily without diabetes...

[KINDERHORE]

I know this is going to get moved into the Diabetes section like my other posts about my weird blood sugar stuff which makes me sad because no one reads or responds much to those...

So, I've been feeling like I've been having blood sugar issues, and rather than trust my doctor, who tells me I'm just fine with nothing to worry about, I went out and spent $70 to get the blood sugar monitor, the test strips, the whole nine yards.

And started testing. I started testing because if I happen to go off low carb I feel really fuzzy headed- not normal for me. It started about a year and a half ago, after trying to do Weight Watchers to mix it up a bit.

I started right back on low carb and went to the docs for a blood test. Fasting came out to 98. "You're FINE!" my doctor said totally ignoring my issues and not taking the fact that I was low carbing into consideration before the blood test- I should have been eating regular for at least 3 days prior.

Long story short, the results:

When I'm eating a "normal" person's diet, complete with about 300 grams of carbs a day, my fasting is at about 107 in the morning, and about 162 1 & 2 hours after eating. Those are higher numbers and put me into the "pre-diabetes" zone.

When I'm eating a low carb diet (net carbs at about 35-40) my fasting is about 92 and stays under 100 at 1 & 2 hours after each meal.

I guess my question is this: Is it truly possible to "repair" blood sugars if you are pre-diabetic through controlling your blood sugars, weight loss & exercise?

OR, even if I maintain this WOE and periodically test my sugars am I bound to have it develop into diabetes later?

All the websites claim that pre-diabetes can be "reversed." Is this true?

[scandalouslyglam]

Originally Posted by KINDERHORE

I guess my question is this: Is it truly possible to "repair" blood sugars if you are pre-diabetic through controlling your blood sugars, weight loss & exercise?

OR, even if I maintain this WOE and periodically test my sugars am I bound to have it develop into diabetes later?

All the websites claim that pre-diabetes can be "reversed." Is this true?

Hello Kinder,

It is possible to improve your blood sugar levels. In my research weight loss and exercise are THE gold standard. If you maintain your WOE and lose weight there is a significantly lower risk of EVER having Type II Diabetes.

"Pre"Diabetes is reversible. I understand your frustration with your Doc as well.They just don't seem to "get" what we are asking sometimes.

Take Care, and I'm glad you're feeling better!

August

[BrianSCohen]

Originally Posted by KINDERHORE

I know this is going to get moved into the Diabetes section like my other posts about my weird blood sugar stuff which makes me sad because no one reads or responds much to those...

So, I've been feeling like I've been having blood sugar issues, and rather than trust my doctor, who tells me I'm just fine with nothing to worry about, I went out and spent $70 to get the blood sugar monitor, the test strips, the whole nine yards.

And started testing. I started testing because if I happen to go off low carb I feel really fuzzy headed- not normal for me. It started about a year and a half ago, after trying to do Weight Watchers to mix it up a bit.

I started right back on low carb and went to the docs for a blood test. Fasting came out to 98. "You're FINE!" my doctor said totally ignoring my issues and not taking the fact that I was low carbing into consideration before the blood test- I should have been eating regular for at least 3 days prior.

Long story short, the results:

When I'm eating a "normal" person's diet, complete with about 300 grams of carbs a day, my fasting is at about 107 in the morning, and about 162 1 & 2 hours after eating. Those are higher numbers and put me into the "pre-diabetes" zone.

When I'm eating a low carb diet (net carbs at about 35-40) my fasting is about 92 and stays under 100 at 1 & 2 hours after each meal.

I guess my question is this: Is it truly possible to "repair" blood sugars if you are pre-diabetic through controlling your blood sugars, weight loss & exercise?

OR, even if I maintain this WOE and periodically test my sugars am I bound to have it develop into diabetes later?

All the websites claim that pre-diabetes can be "reversed." Is this true?

I have some bad news for you. You have diabetes. You can call it pre-diabetes, but in the end it is the same. You cannot tolerate the levels of carbs in the Standard American Diet (SAD). There is no evidence that the typical type 2 can reverse (heal) their diabetes. There are some causes of diabetes, such as steroids which when removed, allow you to return to "normal." Some type 2 diabetics find that when they make marked improvements in their diet/exercise and maintain those improvements they can restore normal blood sugars. But unfortunately, there is really just no evidence that you can heal yourself, fixing your carb intolerance in any way that will let you return to eating SAD. I am sorry.

Now that I have depressed you over the bad news, let me give you some good news. There are many diabetics who can control their condition with diet and exercise alone. From what you have described, with a low carb diet you can do that. There is no reason that you can't maintain a low carb diet, exercise and maintain good blood sugars for many years. Be pleased that you can still maintain this level of control without medication, you are fortunate.

[Yellobrix]

Personally, while I think it's possible that you might respond somewhat better to dietary carbs at your goal weight, I believe that anyone whose body has demonstrated "carb intolerance" can never eat the "normal" American diet.

First, let's just take a look at what we consider "normal" in this country, and the exploding obesity rates! From my perspective, normal turns out to be rather unhealthy for the fattest nation on earth, a population of people on insulin, statins, and such. Feel free to just toss out the idea of "returning to normal" having anything to do with eating 300g of carbs per day.

Returning to your previous eating habits is a guaranteed way of returning to your previous weight.

Redefine normal on your own terms - what keeps your body healthy is the only normal that counts.

[Leo41]

My fasting blood sugar is regularly between 97 and 99, and my endo says that's fine--he does NOT consider me diabetic.

By the way, you don't need to "carb up" before this simple test for accuracy--that relates only to the longer glucose tolerance test.

My endo also says that my low carb WOE is what's keeping me from "full-blown diabetes" which is reason enough for me to continue eating this way.

I have known MANY type2 diabetics who have been able to get off all meds by restricting their ingestion of starches and sugars and losing weight.

[KINDERHORE]

Originally Posted by BrianSCohen

I have some bad news for you. You have diabetes. You can call it pre-diabetes, but in the end it is the same. You cannot tolerate the levels of carbs in the Standard American Diet (SAD). There is no reason that you can't maintain a low carb diet, exercise and maintain good blood sugars for many years. Be pleased that you can still maintain this level of control without medication, you are fortunate.

I do know that the "SAD" doesn't work for me and is really unhealthy. It is what I thought, once intolerant, always intolerant.

My plan isn't to eat low carb now, get to goal weight, eat all the crap I want.

I guess I'm confused as to why there is such a thing as "Pre" diabetes, then?

[KINDERHORE]

For example, I thought Type 2 started at over 120 fasting levels?

[KINDERHORE]

I guess I need to bi-pass my doctor and go straight to an endochronologist.

I don't trust that I'm getting the info I need, and I'm out here on my own.

I had to go to the drugstore and pick out the meter and stuff myself. The staff, even the pharmacist, NOBODY knew what they were doing. I had to go back to the store *3* times to get what I needed.

I have questions like, "If I maintain my levels under 100 will I ever get complications from diabetes or am I in the clear?"

"If I maintain my levels under 100, and break my diet once every 3 months for a special occasion am I going to really damage myself?"

I'm pretty scared. My father took his life because his complications from diabetes were so severe. I've read the Bloodsugar 101 site, which is very helpful, but I feel like I still have questions.

What should I be asking from my doctor?

[Monkee]

I honestly think that some doctors simply don't care and others just don't know what they are doing, because they are going based on old-dated data.

From my understanding damage starts when your numbers go above 140/2hr-post meal.

[BrianSCohen]

Originally Posted by KINDERHORE

I guess I need to bi-pass my doctor and go straight to an endochronologist.

I don't trust that I'm getting the info I need, and I'm out here on my own.

I had to go to the drugstore and pick out the meter and stuff myself. The staff, even the pharmacist, NOBODY knew what they were doing. I had to go back to the store *3* times to get what I needed.

I have questions like, "If I maintain my levels under 100 will I ever get complications from diabetes or am I in the clear?"

"If I maintain my levels under 100, and break my diet once every 3 months for a special occasion am I going to really damage myself?"

I'm pretty scared. My father took his life because his complications from diabetes were so severe. I've read the Bloodsugar 101 site, which is very helpful, but I feel like I still have questions.

What should I be asking from my doctor?

There are diabetes screening guidelines used by doctors to identify whether someone is diabetic. If you doctor measures your fasting blood sugar > 126 mg/dl, then they will diagnose you as diabetic. Now these guidelines are not treatment targets, instead most doctors will recommend that you try to control your blood sugar to avoid complications. I think you have a healthy respect for this from what you say. As Bloodsugar101 notes, there is lots of evidence that complications emerge with blood sugars over 140 mg/dl. If you keep your levels less than 140 mg/dl 2 hours after meal, you should be able to avoid virtually all complications. By the same token, a good treatment target for your fasting level is 110 mg/d, again you are on track.

If you have an occaisonal treat you are not going to harm yourself. Don't go out and eat a whole chocolate cake, but you don't need to be so strict you deny yourself everything. Have a piece of chocolate cake on your birthday. Enjoy it. Choose a modest slice. Realize your blood sugar may rise higher than your target (140 mg/dl), but in the bigger view it won't hurt you unless you make it a common activity.

[KINDERHORE]

Originally Posted by BrianSCohen

There are diabetes screening guidelines used by doctors to identify whether someone is diabetic. If you doctor measures your fasting blood sugar > 126 mg/dl, then they will diagnose you as diabetic. Now these guidelines are not treatment targets, instead most doctors will recommend that you try to control your blood sugar to avoid complications. I think you have a healthy respect for this from what you say. As Bloodsugar101 notes, there is lots of evidence that complications emerge with blood sugars over 140 mg/dl. If you keep your levels less than 140 mg/dl 2 hours after meal, you should be able to avoid virtually all complications. By the same token, a good treatment target for your fasting level is 110 mg/d, again you are on track.

If you have an occaisonal treat you are not going to harm yourself. Don't go out and eat a whole chocolate cake, but you don't need to be so strict you deny yourself everything. Have a piece of chocolate cake on your birthday. Enjoy it. Choose a modest slice. Realize your blood sugar may rise higher than your target (140 mg/dl), but in the bigger view it won't hurt you unless you make it a common activity.

Thank you so much. I've decided to call my doctor and switch my appointment from her to an endo.

Does insurance cover test strips? (they are REALLY expensive).

I don't have too much of a problem staying on plan. I eat about 35-45 net carbs per day- fruits and vegetables and my blood sugars stay in the 90-97 range at all times (fasting, 1 hour, 2 hours, 4 hours, etc.) and I exercise 3-5 times per week.

If I maintain this lifestyle I guess I'm hoping to stave off complications.

[jem51]

what you really need to do is educate yourself!! since you have diabetes ('pre' is just the difference betw lower numbers and higher, but still diabetes), read dr bernstiens Diabetes Solution. this is up to date information and comprehensive. cruise around the web....knowledge is power. you cannot reverse this condition but you can absolutely control. 'reverse' implies that you can eventually go back to the foods that caused this problem to begin with...not true. start reading...then when you visit your doc you'll be able to help make your own medical decisions.

[KINDERHORE]

Originally Posted by jem51

'reverse' implies that you can eventually go back to the foods that caused this problem to begin with...not true.

Ah, I see. I didn't mean that. I know that that isn't possible. I guess what I meant was if I constantly control my sugars, exercise regularly and lose weight will I be able to have an occasional treat without doing serious damage.

I can't eat the SAD anyway- that's what got me to this weight. And I guess part of me wondered if I got to goal weight while controlling blood sugars if I could stave off the eventual diabetes. Alas, I see, no.

[jem51]

the occasional treat is a ymmv thing. for some it is truly slippery slope. it is important to know how high you BS goes. the higher the longer it'll take to stabilize. you might find it easier to make a lc treat...the variety is endless.
the probems caused by high blood sugar are endless it seems....and many cannot be reversed. peop should be very afraid of the consequences; alzheimers/dementia, nerve damage often leading to amputaion, loss of vision and the stuff we already know about including heart disease. the list is endless.
when you are in control, your BG seems to be very stable. that's great.
oh, and when my doc saw the increase in my FBG he told me to get a monitor and start paying attention. this advice was priceless.
but the interesting thing is, that some food item that i could have a little of (like whole milk) might turn out not to be okay later.
when i feel a symptom like brain fog, fatigue, or my digestion gets worse (gastroparisis), i start monitoring more often to see what the offender is.
i know for sure that too much meat keeps my BG elevated....so sad.

[KINDERHORE]

Yeah, I don't need that many high carb treats and they are definitely a slippery slope with me. I have my greek yogurt with blackberries every night and that seems to be fine for me. (I know many diabetics that say, "I don't watch what I eat, I just take my meds. I CAN'T give up my sweets, I have a sweet tooth."

I'm not that person.

I also don't eat out at restaurants- not fast food, not chain, etc. But, once or twice a year I like to go to a fine dining restaurant and enjoy the meal. I can definitely tell by the menu which would be better choices- Lamb not pasta, etc.

I've been low carbing forever, so not having rice, pasta or even bread has never been a problem.

It sounds like I'm on the right track. I guess I am just REALLY scared of all that you mentioned and want some sort of guarantee that it's never going to happen to me if I keep my blood sugars really low through low carb and exercise.

I guess there are no guarantees in life...

[Sandi76]

If you have a treat, and get a high blood sugar once in awhile, you're not going to cause immediate damage but it's not good. It's untreated constant high blood sugar that causes problems. It stresses your heart, kidneys, blood pressure, nerves, eyesight. It can cause cystic acne and slow healing sores.

Before I started low carbing, I was actually getting pretty bad blurred vision.

I know someone is going to come along and say having high numbers is NEVER a good idea. I am not advocating that you go off plan and raise your BG number every once in awhile. It's not a good idea. I'm just saying one high blood sugar number isn't something to freak out about. Its always good to keep it normal.

[jem51]

dr berstein does talk some about healing. the clearing of 'brain fog' alone says something.
even if you cannot undo some of the damage, you can certainly stop the progression.
i have been lc'ing for quite a while, as well. the morning of my first increased FBG, i had eaten a big juicy pear and a grapefruit the night before.
doc thinks my lc'ing has masked the pre diabetes. also, i have gone years w/o going for any checkups...so no regular labs were ever drawn.
i'm sure this would've been discovered during my vegan/macrobiotic/raw days. wow, did i have symptoms....that spaced out vegetarian thing certainly applied, i just didn't know...

[KINDERHORE]

Originally Posted by jem51

doc thinks my lc'ing has masked the pre diabetes. also, i have gone years w/o going for any checkups...so no regular labs were ever drawn.

That's RIGHT. Same here. My eating habits were TERRIBLE when I was younger and I'm convinced that they were damaged already then.

[Blood Sugar 101]

You DO NOT have diabetes with those numbers. They are indeed "pre-diabetic".

It's important to realize that there is no one kind of Type 2 diabetes. There are hundreds of different genes that can be damaged and other metabolic problems beyond genes involved. Some people have high blood sugars because they are insulin resistant. Some because they don't make enough insulin. Some have a mix of both.

Because each of us has a different mix of what's wrong there is no one cure. Exercise works for many people who are insulin resistant. It won't for people who are insulin deficient. Cutting carbs and losing weight helps some people, but I have heard from a lot of people in my survey last winter who have diabetes and reported that losing significant amounts of weight did not improve their glucose tolerance. Cutting carbs can normalize blood sugar, but it may or may not be able to reverse the underlying defect because that defect can be from so many different things.

To make it more complicated, there are autoimmune forms of "Type 2" diabetes where your blood sugar will worsen no matter what you eat.

Eating low carb is a great first step. Exercise if you can. But test your blood sugars periodically to see how they are holding up. If they are worsening despite maintaining normal blood sugars, then you may need the help of an endocrinologist.

ALSO: this is really important: please read my page on why a low carb diabetes diet is different from a low carb weight loss diet. A Diabetes Diet is Different from and Easier than a Weight Loss Diet.

With the best intentions in the world, most low carb weight loss dieters eventually do go off the diet. If you are dieting for blood sugar control, you can't afford to blow it, but the strategy that will keep you on an effective diet, most of us find, is one that is much less restrictive than the low carb diets people use for weight loss.

Keep your eye on blood sugar control at all times and you'll end up with much better health long term!

[BrianSCohen]

Originally Posted by Blood Sugar 101

You DO NOT have diabetes with those numbers. They are indeed "pre-diabetic".

It's important to realize that there is no one kind of Type 2 diabetes. There are hundreds of different genes that can be damaged and other metabolic problems beyond genes involved. Some people have high blood sugars because they are insulin resistant. Some because they don't make enough insulin. Some have a mix of both.

Because each of us has a different mix of what's wrong there is no one cure. Exercise works for many people who are insulin resistant. It won't for people who are insulin deficient. Cutting carbs and losing weight helps some people, but I have heard from a lot of people in my survey last winter who have diabetes and reported that losing significant amounts of weight did not improve their glucose tolerance. Cutting carbs can normalize blood sugar, but it may or may not be able to reverse the underlying defect because that defect can be from so many different things.

To make it more complicated, there are autoimmune forms of "Type 2" diabetes where your blood sugar will worsen no matter what you eat.

Eating low carb is a great first step. Exercise if you can. But test your blood sugars periodically to see how they are holding up. If they are worsening despite maintaining normal blood sugars, then you may need the help of an endocrinologist.

ALSO: this is really important: please read my page on why a low carb diabetes diet is different from a low carb weight loss diet. A Diabetes Diet is Different from and Easier than a Weight Loss Diet.

With the best intentions in the world, most low carb weight loss dieters eventually do go off the diet. If you are dieting for blood sugar control, you can't afford to blow it, but the strategy that will keep you on an effective diet, most of us find, is one that is much less restrictive than the low carb diets people use for weight loss.

Keep your eye on blood sugar control at all times and you'll end up with much better health long term!

While I would agree that you are technically correct, it is "pre-diabetes," I worry that is like saying you are just a little bit pregnant. We would both agree that it great that Kinder is getting on top of things and her prospects are much brighter by dealing with things now, rather than waiting to get a technically correct diabetic diiagnoses.

You suggest that it is possible that "cutting carbs can reverse the underlying defect." Can you expand on that? I am not aware of any situations like that. I think it is important that people believe that they have control and can do something about diabetes, but I see a lot of misinformation about how you can reverse diabetes that is just bogus. I think you can do a great job of controlling and managing diabetes, but there is really not much prospect of returning to being able to tolerate arbitrary levels of carbs.

[Blood Sugar 101]

Originally Posted by BrianSCohen

While I would agree that you are technically correct, it is "pre-diabetes," I worry that is like saying you are just a little bit pregnant. We would both agree that it great that Kinder is getting on top of things and her prospects are much brighter by dealing with things now, rather than waiting to get a technically correct diabetic diiagnoses.

You suggest that it is possible that "cutting carbs can reverse the underlying defect." Can you expand on that? I am not aware of any situations like that. I think it is important that people believe that they have control and can do something about diabetes, but I see a lot of misinformation about how you can reverse diabetes that is just bogus. I think you can do a great job of controlling and managing diabetes, but there is really not much prospect of returning to being able to tolerate arbitrary levels of carbs.

Brian,

Only a surprisingly small number of people who are prediabetic go on to become full-fledged diabetics. I don't have the statistic here but it has been found in research that most people have the ability to grow additional beta cells to keep up with insulin resistance, though their blood sugars are slightly higher than normal. By age 70 the average A1c of the population at large is 6%, if I recall correctly.

So no, pre-diabetes does NOT imply a person will become diabetic, but they are still more likely to develop heart disease and early neuropathy.

There are people whose blood sugars resolve to normal when they lose weight and who can go back to eating a more standard diet if they watch calories. Just not a lot of them. But I do know people who fit this description.

People are all different. I've met people with diabetes who lost a lot of weight with a low fat/high carb diet for that matter, though I can't.

[KINDERHORE]

Hi Jenny and Brian,

Jenny, I am insulin resistant, I do exercise regularly, etc. I do know that a diabetic's diet is a bit different than low-carbing to lose weight. I checked the last couple of days with various amounts of foods and they all affect me differently. 2 slices of pizza and my blood sugars stayed at around 120 at 1 & 2 hours and was below that at 4-5 hours. I do know that that might change and I also know I'll never lose any weight eating pizza...

I think getting the monitor was such a good idea for me to keep tabs on everything. It's much more reassuring than guessing- knowing that when I low carb my bs's are in the low-90's.

I have heard from a lot of people in my survey last winter who have diabetes and reported that losing significant amounts of weight did not improve their glucose tolerance.

I did read that study as well, and believe it and am prepared for it.

Thanks you guys for chiming in. It's REALLY important to me.

I have asked my doctor for a referral to see the endo & a prescription for testing strips. I figured, the prick and the blood doesn't bother me- I do MUCH more daily damage to myself cooking.

Thanks!

[Makeitgreen]

My mom controls her type II diabetes with diet and excercise. She is a "southbeacher".

I am insulin resistant, had gestational diabetes, and was showing signs (long story) of prediabetes. I decided enough is enough and switched to atkins induction. That was over 6 wks ago. I am still LCing but now have cut even MORE carbs to what I'm calling VLC. I feel soooo much better. No more lightheadedness. No more dizziness. Much less fatigue. I'm more... stable.

HTH, I am very new to this but I just KNOW it's helping me!

[PMoon]

I just wanted to add that you can get free monitors on the internet. I have gotten them from three different companies. The companies who make them give them away cause they want you to spend a fortune on their strips. All the meters so far have come with ten strips included.

A google search for free glucose meter would get you what you are looking for.

I also browse ebay for the test strips I need. My favorite monitor is the Breeze 2. It's the kind that takes the ten-test disc. It is so easy to use. I got 100 strips for $33 on ebay (including shipping) that retail for about $100. As long as they are not expired and in their original packaging, they should be fine. (The meter was free!)

Good luck.

P. Moon

[Makeitgreen]

Originally Posted by KINDERHORE

I guess I need to bi-pass my doctor and go straight to an endochronologist.

I don't trust that I'm getting the info I need, and I'm out here on my own.

I had to go to the drugstore and pick out the meter and stuff myself. The staff, even the pharmacist, NOBODY knew what they were doing. I had to go back to the store *3* times to get what I needed.

I have questions like, "If I maintain my levels under 100 will I ever get complications from diabetes or am I in the clear?"

"If I maintain my levels under 100, and break my diet once every 3 months for a special occasion am I going to really damage myself?"

I'm pretty scared. My father took his life because his complications from diabetes were so severe. I've read the Bloodsugar 101 site, which is very helpful, but I feel like I still have questions.

What should I be asking from my doctor?

My last endo was an IDIOT. He knew FAR LESS than my regular doc. I knew more than he did. If your doc will listen to you and knows his stuff, he can probably help you just fine. That's MHO though.

[KINDERHORE]

Originally Posted by Makeitgreen

My last endo was an IDIOT. He knew FAR LESS than my regular doc. I knew more than he did. If your doc will listen to you and knows his stuff, he can probably help you just fine. That's MHO though.

My doctor is very sweet and listens to me but has pretty much ignored my concerns about diabetes. The last blood test I got had a fasting of 98 and she knew I was low carbing- which can skew results.

Also, I've asked her about stuff regarding my bodies difficulty losing weight and she doesn't seem to think it's a problem. I'm 268 pounds and 5'2" and have a family history of diabetes... It's a problem...

BUT, she DOES listen to me and I love her so I hope she'll refer me to someone who isn't a complete dufus.

[Makeitgreen]

Originally Posted by Sandi76

If you have a treat, and get a high blood sugar once in awhile, you're not going to cause immediate damage but it's not good. It's untreated constant high blood sugar that causes problems. It stresses your heart, kidneys, blood pressure, nerves, eyesight. It can cause cystic acne and slow healing sores.

Before I started low carbing, I was actually getting pretty bad blurred vision.

I know someone is going to come along and say having high numbers is NEVER a good idea. I am not advocating that you go off plan and raise your BG number every once in awhile. It's not a good idea. I'm just saying one high blood sugar number isn't something to freak out about. Its always good to keep it normal.

Hmm, just before starting LC this time, I was getting the blurred vision. I didn't relate it.

There are LOTS of issues that have straight up resolved themselves JUST BECAUSE I don't eat many carbs anymore. The less carbs I eat, the healthier I get.

I'm just sayin'...

[Blood Sugar 101]

Blurred vision is not from the classic diabetic eye problems leading to blindness. There are no symptoms of the classic diabetic retinopathy that causes blindness--until you wake up with huge black spots in your field of vision.

The blurring of vision is because blood sugars that rise more than 60-80 mg/dl change the refractive qualities of the fluid in your eye and that makes your eyes blurry if you can't accommodate as is normal in people in their 40s and older.

If you lower your blood sugar you may end up needing new glasses, but don't buy them until you've maintained your new blood sugar for a while. Otherwise, you may need a different prescription in a few weeks or months.

I can still tell if my blood sugar has gone over 160 as I will have trouble reading high way signs.

[KINDERHORE]

Just an update:

I have an appointment with an Endo coming up and bought Dr. Bernstein's book so that I can read it and be more informed in case I get a bunk Endo.

On another note:

My eating hasn't been perfect- what "normal" healthy person might eat when not on low carb and my blood sugars stay between about 76-110 after meals and all day. When I had those high readings, I had eaten a bagel with no fat and some candy or something later in the afternoon. (I know it still shouldn't have been 160, but when do I ever eat that stuff? Never.)

Morning fast is ALWAYS 107. Once it was 106.

That's without the use of Metformin- I stopped a couple of weeks ago so I could get accurate readings (I'll start back up after seeing Endo.)

I'm feeling good about my blood sugars and am SUPER glad I got this monitor so I can check a make sure I'm out of the danger zone and not creeping.