Procuring Wellness

High Blood Sugar Equals Diabetes?

by our Health Coach

Question:
"I've just received the results of a wellness test performed at my work. My blood sugar was more than 20 points above normal. Does that mean I'm a diabetic?"

our Health Coach Answer:
This is a question I am asked quite a bit in my medical practice. There are a number of things to take into consideration in order to answer it properly. It really is a three part question.

A work "wellness" screening may require the participants to be fasting or not. If the patient was fasting and his/her blood sugar (glucose level) is 20 mg/dl above normal then according to most standard lab values and the American Diabetic Association, he/she is a diabetic.

To be accurately diagnosed with diabetes, however, requires two separate fasting blood sugar screenings greater than or equal to 126 mg/dl. Readings above the so-called normal range (115 mg/dl) yet below 126 mg/dl is the "no-man's land" of impaired glucose tolerance, or IGT. Or as patients are fond of saying "a touch of diabetes" But a "touch of diabetes" just does not exist. You either have it or you don't.

All of these measurements are what Health Coach refer to as continuous variables. Meaning that if your blood sugars are above normal you are certainly on the path to becoming a diabetic and will if draconian corrective measures are not taken. By draconian, I mean strict adherence to an anti-diabetes diet, which is one that eliminates all forms of sugar and sugar substitutes, and that is low on starchy foods and other foods that are high on the glycemic index (as a general rule of thumb, if it's white, don't eat it!).

You should also know that forward thinking cardiologists who are truly interested in prevention now recognize that a fasting blood sugar above 90 mg/dl indicates an increased risk for cardiovascular disease, such as heart attack and stroke. Given your reading, I suggest that you work with your Health Coach to ensure that you are eating foods that are best suited for reducing your risk of both diabetes and heart disease. He or she can also work with you to guide you in making any lifestyle changes that may be necessary. Ideally, your physician will also be knowledgeable in the area of nutrition and can recommend specific nutritional supplements that may also be helpful.

In the meantime, here are some tips you can start using right now to help to safeguard your health:

Continue to monitor your blood sugar levels on a regular basis.
Take an active role in learning about how you can best manage blood sugar to discover what works best for you.
Exercise regularly and learn how to reduce your stress levels. Both of these steps can help to maintain lower blood sugar levels.
Get tested for food allergies and sensitivities and eliminate any foods for which you are found to be allergic or sensitive from your diet.
Remember that reversing diabetes requires a commitment to good self-care, especially preventive practices that can significantly minimize the risk of diabetes occurring.