Yet ANOTHER blood test result "head scratcher"!

#1

As you know I’ve been stressing over the cholesterol portion of yesterday’s bloodwork, but this morning I have a new, additional worry:

Yesterday I saw that my fasting blood sugar was a little high but totally ignored that, partially because I was more upset with my cholesterol and partially because I had had a small amount of black coffee with Sweet and Low before the blood test. I figured that artificial sweetener must have thrown off my fasting blood glucose.

So this morning as soon as I rolled out of bed, I tested my blood. 103! It really IS in the “pre-diabetic” range! How could this be?!?!?!? Whenever I test my BG throughout the day (since I always suspected I was reactive hypoglycemic) it is always low, sometimes scary low. So now, after eating this way for several months, my fasting BG has gone UP!?!?!??! Any ideas what the hell that is all about? Understandably, I’m totally fed up.
Sue
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(icky) #2

Hey Suuuuuue :blush:

Sorry I’ve been so quiet :see_no_evil:

My workload is :poop::poop::poop:

As regards your blood test results, I think there’s a blood glucose thing called the “dawn effect” or something like that, where your BG results early in the morning (after fasting all night due to sleep) are often elevated.

So if you want to test fasted BG, I think you need to do it during the middle of the day for a reliable result.

Hope things other than frustrating blood test results are okay? :kissing_heart:

#3

OK, just did some reading on the dawn phenomenon" and I guess this is perfectly normal for this way of eating. It also explains why I have been waking up so darned early and not able to get back to sleep. Not sure if this is something that will pass and stabilize as I continue this WOE but I’m not going to worry about this lab result. I will try to have some printed data about why it’s slightly elevated to present to my doc if she raises an eyebrow at my fasting BG.

I’m almost starting to look forward to this doc visit, as long as I can go in with a folder full of data and reputable facts. Hell, maybe I’ll convert my vegan doc to a keto doc!
Sue

(Crow T. Robot) #4

Not only that, but you should never freak out over a single reading of anything, let alone something as dynamic as blood glucose levels. Look at your hbA1c if you want a real picture of your blood sugar situation – it’s a three-month average.

#5

Fasting blood this morning: 103. HCT: 38% Hb: 12.9

Not going to give this a second thought - thanks for helping me cross this off my list of potential issues.
Sue

(Crow T. Robot) #6

Sure, no problem. Did you get HbA1c? I believe Hb is just hemoglobin.

(Jim) #7

Mine typically reads 105-115 in the am, In the 90’s by afternoon. My GP said if I had a snack late at night that it would midigate the Dawn Effect. I’m not that worried about it, though.

I would focus on A1C as that is about a 3 month average. Should be 5 or less optimally.

#8

Just looked through the dozens of results but don’t see one called HbA1c. Perhaps it’s called something else at this lab, or perhaps they only test for that once they suspect a problem?
Sue

#9

Bingo! I am absolutely a “before bed snacker”. I know, not good, but it’s the time of day when I am FINALLY done with work, chores, errands, and other life demands, and it’s my “reward” and “me time”. Guess I should try to try find a flavored tea or something to use as a treat instead of a snack. :frowning:
Sue

#10

Just found A1C result: 5.4, but apparently “in range” for this lab.
Sue

(Crow T. Robot) #11

Good job! 5.4 is not bad – not even “pre-diabetic”. I bet it will be even better next time.

#12

fantastic no diabetes there. Have yor vegan doctor show you her A1C level, lol