prediabetes discussion and a quick question

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beachgirl Posted: Mon, Aug 24 2009 11:28 AM

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First...thanks for all the feedback and support, PCP friday not worried, but referred to diabetologist - appt in late Oct.  Was feeling better and reassured, but then today my first fasting fingerstick of 101....tested about 45 minutes later than I had been (had been getting high 80's to mid 90's).....Plan DIET and EXERCISE as I have heard loud and clear...and I will follow FFS at the same time daily trying not to worry, accumulating data for my appt.

RE bedtime....how close to bedtime, and snack and then check or check and then have a quick bedtime snack...I usually have low carb toast and peanut butter....

Thanks again

Beachgirl

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Spirit replied on Mon, Aug 24 2009 11:56 AM

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I usually test and then have a snack and then go to bed.  The reason is that the snack should not figure in your bedtime number.  The snack provides enough fuel to get you through the night, so it really has more of an effect on your morning numbers.    Peanut butter on low carb bread is a good choice. 

BTW, 101 is still a fine fasting number.  Even non-diabetics show fluctuations in glucose readings.  So that is perfectly normal.  Add to that the fact that home glucometers are not absolutely precise instruments.  All of them have a certain range of error in them.  Even at a 10% range of error (and some meters are higher) that 101 could really be in the range of +/- ten points.  So worrying about individual numbers can be a problem.  Instead, look for patterns.  Are fasting numbers usually within a certain range?  Or is there an observable and consistent upward creep? That's the information you are looking for.  Keeping some kind of log or journal of foods, time of testing, test results and anything unusual that you think might have a bearing on your readings such as sickness, menstrual period, stress or increased/decreased physical activity is a good way to track patterns.  Plus it provides some good baseline data for your Oct. appointment with the new doc. 

Spirit

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beachgirl replied on Mon, Aug 24 2009 12:03 PM

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Thanks, I started a log today....I am trending in a certain direction....despite my efforts, but will keep going! Will also try to move up appt.

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Ron AKA replied on Mon, Aug 24 2009 6:50 PM

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Contrary to what you may think, it may be better to have a high carb (high glycemic index too) piece of bread, cracker, or equivalent before bedtime. The key is not too much; 10-15 grams. The idea is to give your BG a quick kick up to stimulate insulin and bring BG down through the night. I think peanut butter only adds calories and is not that beneficial at bedtime -- just my thoughts.

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tylersydney replied on Tue, Aug 25 2009 12:50 PM

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My former dietitian said the same..15 carbs or so at night..

I used to have nuts..now crackers..

I still eat nuts on salads but..stopped snaking on them...the calories add up..

and I am beginning to lose weight...plateau has lasted way too long..............

time to buckle down..