So for many years I tried to hide the fact that I knew my blood sugar was elevated after fasting overnight. (In other words, after I wake up.) I’d eat no sugar the day before I had a physical at the doctor’s office where I knew they would draw blood and ask for a urine sample. I’d take cinnamon to hopefully make my numbers look better, although that is highly debated as to its affect on sugar. For years I felt I outsmarted being told I was diabetic. Ridiculous thinking, really. I’m not proud of it!
THEN a couple of years ago, the doctor ordered an A1C test. It basically gives a several month average of your sugar levels. It does this by measuring how the hemoglobin protein in your blood is coated with sugar. I couldn’t hide my high blood sugar any longer!
A1C levels are reflected as a percent usually from 5 to 14%. 5% being in the normal range. 6% in the pre-diabetic range. Anything above 5% … you need to work on! The higher your A1C percent, the higher the chance for diabetes complications.
It is a good gauge on how well the diabetes is being managed. And you can’t hide your numbers, so don’t try!
There are different types of diabetes. I happened to get late onset diabetes known as Type 2, as has been the same for each woman up through my maternal line for generations. Both of my sisters have Type 2 as well. A relative had gestational diabetes.
Diabetes is only diagnosed by a doctor. However, you may have symptoms or can test your own sugar if you are suspicious that you might have it. Always discuss these symptoms or tests with your doctor!