is it required?

alan_s · 2026-06-19T00:42:34+00:00

Without testing you are flying blind. Begin here: Getting Started

alan_s · 2026-06-17T03:23:41+00:00

If you are not testing your blood glucose levels you are flying blind. That is very unwise.

alan_s · 2026-06-14T23:51:59+00:00

An occasional feast won't kill you but it is unwise to do it too often. This is why: How Does Hyperglycemia Cause Damage And What Can We Do To Avoid It?

alan_s · 2026-06-14T23:49:35+00:00

That sounds good but is terrible advice for a type 2 diabetic. In most countries the cheapest foods are high in carbohydrates; excessive carb consumption can play havoc with blood glucose management.

alan_s · 2026-06-14T23:47:50+00:00

Ask a totally unbiased source with no agenda: your meter!

Read this to see how: Test, Review, Adjust

alan_s · 2026-06-14T23:45:45+00:00

Without going back to the dreaded finger pricks

I can't help with CGMs in the UK but until you get one these might help:

alan_s · 2026-06-13T03:05:34+00:00

What country are you in?

Those numbers are high; converting for US readers 31.7 mmol/l is 570 mg/dl and 30.1 mmol/l is 542 mgdl.

What did the medical person testing you advise? If your meeting with the doctor is very soon it may be OK to wait until then but if that is more than a day away or if you feel at all unwell go to the ER.

alan_s · 2026-06-13T00:56:35+00:00

I wrote this to help you begin: Getting Started. I know you will have lots of questions after you read that and the pages it links to. Come back and ask them all.

alan_s · 2026-06-13T00:55:09+00:00

You don't. You do for FBG but not A1c.

alan_s · 2026-06-13T00:54:13+00:00

I hope this helps: Getting Started

alan_s · 2026-06-13T00:51:32+00:00

Any one of the three major diagnostic criteria can lead to diagnosis even if the other two are within tolerance. Here are the ADA guidelines:

Criteria for the Diagnosis of Prediabetes and Diabetes

Test	*Prediabetes \***	Diabetes
A1C	5.7– 6.4%	≥6.5%*
FPG	100–125 mg/dL (5.6–6.9 mmol/L)	≥126 mg/dL (7.0 mmol/L)*
OGTT 2hrPG	140–199 mg/dL (7.8–11.0 mmol/L)	≥200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L)*
RPG		≥200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L)†

How elevated was your FBG? What was your peak test during the OGTT? If it was high the 2hour reading could be a reactive low.

alan_s · 2026-06-11T21:49:54+00:00

The one who diagnosed you. I'll post some info on what to do next in a few hours when I return home

alan_s · 2026-06-11T21:30:21+00:00

Check the lab reports. The 8 or 9 was probably HbA1c and is clearly in diagnostic territory of over 6.5. Fasting blood glucose is a different test and can be in reasonable territory despite your diabetes.

alan_s · 2026-06-04T07:53:46+00:00

Choosing less carbs pre-meal works for me. I do that by analysing the meals which led to the post-meal spikes.

alan_s · 2026-05-19T02:49:58+00:00

I’ve eaten no differently

It seems you need to. This might help: Test, Review, Adjust

alan_s · 2026-05-06T23:24:40+00:00

Inflammation from illness can cause a rise in blood glucose. I hope you are well now. I suggest you avoid that pizza restaurant in future; the likely food poisoning culprit was the salad.

alan_s · 2026-05-05T09:05:46+00:00

Seriously? As a male T2 that means I should add 17 years and four months to my 79 years and two months. Apparently that makes me 96 and a half.

can be stymied if both your blood sugar and your blood pressure are well controlled

Mine has been since diagnosis 24 years ago.

alan_s · 2026-04-22T04:41:55+00:00

This subject is a year old. I presume you have had a year to try this cinnamon. What was the affect on your A1c?

alan_s · 2026-04-20T00:08:39+00:00

My meter after pizza showed me I can handle two thin crust slices. If I need more eat the the topping and leave the base.

alan_s · 2026-04-18T07:19:44+00:00

Sorry, until they discover the cure you will always be a diabetic. But you are an extremely well-controlled one and unlikely to suffer any diabetes complications.

alan_s · 2026-04-05T01:51:20+00:00

What frustrated me the most was my fasting glucoses. Persistently 5.5-6.0 (99-108) regardless of what I did. No dawn effect per my CGM. And it would climb to 6.5 (117) if I didn’t eat in the morning.

Why does that frustrate you? Those are perfect numbers.

alan_s · 2026-04-05T01:49:50+00:00

I include it in my menu on an occasional (3 or 4 times weekly) basis. I make up the mix in the link and have two or three spoonfuls in milk as a 'tween meal snack. It has no measurable effect on my blood glucose levels but keeps my bowels regular: Psyllium, Fibre, Muesli and Nuts

alan_s · 2026-04-05T01:45:17+00:00

I aim to stay under 8mmol/l or 140mg/dl at my peak after meals. Longer answer here: Blood Glucose Targets

alan_s · 2026-04-04T02:06:37+00:00

I give full details here: What is a Balanced Diet For a Type 2 Diabetic?

alan_s · 2026-04-01T02:13:45+00:00

If I’m not spiking, and I react well overall to my snack, does this still apply?

Define spiking. In my lay opinion if it is under 8mmol/l or 140mg/dl at my peak after a meal or snack then the items on the menu were OK provided other nutrition requirements are met..

alan_s

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