Sumchelle

At my last appointment, this new doctor of mine grabbed some blood from me, and told me that she was just going to check the levels, but didn't go into any detail about WHAT she was checking. (I was just pleased I was getting somewhere!)

I got my results the other day in the mail. And, it turns out she tested me for Diabetes. Is this common? Does this also measure insulin levels?

I don't know if this is a sign or whatever, since I'm still relatively new to this, but I was in the normal bracket, but VERY HIGH in the ranges.

Where do I go from here?



------------------
Without each other's help, there is no hope for us.... - Ozzy Osbourne


25 years old
Diagnosed (FINALLY) 04.18.02
Yasmin
Elavil 25mg
Spiro 100mg

__________________
Without each other's help, there is no hope for us.... - Ozzy Osbourne


25 years old
Diagnosed (FINALLY) 04.18.02
Yasmin - Soon to be switching

Taken off:
Elavil 25mg's.
Spiro 100mg's.

shannonrober

From what I understand about PCOS is that high blood sugar is a symptom. I did a fasting glucose and mine was 1 digit from diabetic. Knowing your sugar levels is just one more piece of the big puzzle we are all trying to figure out. You do need to know your sugar levels and what they mean. I am very new at this also but I have read enough to know that watching the sugar level is part of it. Good luck!!!

SouthernGirl

Sumchelle....2 years ago my fasting blood sugar levels (glucose) were just a few points above the normal range and my fasting insulin level was a VERY HIGH normal. A 3 hours GTT (glucose tolerance test) confirmed my hypoglycemia. My pancreas was producing large amount of insulin causing my blood sugar to bottom out quite rapidly. (I am in a very high risk group for diabetes development, genetically)

After 2 years of modified carbs, exercise and no medication, my body still produces too much insulin...but now that insulin has become ineffective causing my blood sugar levels to be even higher than they were 2 years ago. I was DX with hyperinsulinenmia and now require the assistance of Glucophage. When you body fails to provide adequate, effective insulin, your blood sugar levels continue to rise setting the stage for diabetes. With the help of medication...I hope to never get there!

Your doctor was checking you blood sugar level...(but you should have been fasting a least overnight). If you had eaten carbs even several hours before the blood was drawn, you would have an elevated reading. Insulin levels are read via a seperate blood test...for instance, if you were to have a GTT, your blood would be drawn (fasting), you drink that yucky sugar drink, and then you blood is drawn at set time intervals and tested to see exactly how your body reacts to sugar/carbs.

Since you levels were "high normal" and you have symptoms of PCOS, I would ask for more detailed testing (GTT with insulin). In the meantime, modify your diet and exercise routine.............

This board is wonderful. I have presented information found here to my doctors. I have also found that most (female) doctors love well informed patients. Remember that Knowledge is Power so empower yourself!

[This message has been edited by SouthernGirl (edited 04-29-2002).]