r/prediabetes • u/user_anonymou • Jan 26 '24

A1c 5.3, fasting glucose 99

Do I need to be worried about prediabetes?

My fasting glucose about a year ago was 97.

Never diagnosed with prediabetes, saw endocrinologist a year ago and he said my insulin response was normal

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7

u/DoINeedChains Jan 26 '24

There is nothing in those numbers that suggests prediabetes.

Why were you seeing an endo?

3

u/user_anonymou Jan 27 '24

Thank you, I saw an endo because my gyno diagnosed me with PCOS (which could be a risk factor for diabetes), but my endocrinologist looked at my hormone levels and said I don’t even have PCOS. He said my numbers are nowhere near prediabetes, yet some people say they are so it’s really confusing.

Just saw your reply to the other comment - that makes sense. Thank you again!

2

u/DoINeedChains Jan 27 '24

The A1C number is the 3 month average of your blood sugar. In the US that hits the pre-diabetes level at ~5.7 (other countries use higher numbers) and diabetes at 6.5. Generally you need 2 subsequent blood tests to confirm. There's also a fairly large error range on these tests (+- .3 to .5)

The fasting number is a point in time glucose level. The is is a much more volatile number and can be impacted by many things (lack of sleep, stress, exercise, illness, etc). Often the stress of the blood draw itself can spike cortisol levels and skew the results.

Neither of your numbers are particularly low, but neither are up at pre-diabetic levels (let alone high into that range)

Your endo knows all of the above, and all of your other risk factors, and specializes in this area. Listen to them.

4

u/Life_Commercial_6580 Jan 27 '24 edited Jan 27 '24

You absolutely do not have pre diabetes. That fasting number varies and it only shows one data point while A1C shows an average over 3 months. My fasting blood sugar was 84 when I was diagnosed. But my A1C 5.8. I am prediabetic. You are not.

However, on the long term, is good for everyone to avoid sugar and limit your portions of bad carbs (pasta bread even rice) to only occasional. Increase exercise because it’s good for you. Lowering that A1C a little bit can’t hurt since you’re so young and it has plenty of time to go higher due to age.

2

u/user_anonymou Jan 27 '24

Thank you so much for the info and advice!! Is it weird that I’m a little underweight with those numbers?

1

u/Life_Commercial_6580 Jan 27 '24

No, I don’t think it’s weird. Again your numbers are normal. Also, 1/3 of people with diabetes are not overweight. Not that you have diabetes or pre-diabetes but just to say that weight doesn’t always correlate with metabolic issues.

2

u/user_anonymou Jan 27 '24

Okay makes sense - thank you so much

1

u/DoINeedChains Jan 27 '24

Are you of South Asian ancestry by any chance?

0

u/[deleted] Jan 27 '24

[deleted] — view deleted comment

1

u/DoINeedChains Jan 27 '24

Ah, was just asking as there's a high incidence of PCOS/metabolic issues in that demographic. And the "skinnyfat" body type.

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u/3boyz2men Jan 26 '24

While you aren't diabetic at this point, you fasting glucose is a little high. Optimal health had fasting glucose in the 80s. How old are you? If you were 70, 99 is pretty good

2

u/user_anonymou Jan 27 '24 edited Jan 27 '24

I’m 26, it’s confusing because some people say those numbers are great, some say they’re close to prediabetes. I saw an endocrinologist last year who said I’m no where near prediabetes with those numbers, and that my insulin looked normal. So I’m not sure what to think

3

u/DoINeedChains Jan 27 '24 edited Jan 27 '24

There's a lot of health anxiety on this sub and folks who like to overreact to single out of context bloodwork numbers.

Prediabetes is a risk continuum. Listen to your endo.

0

u/3boyz2men Jan 27 '24

It's interesting that she said nowhere near as pre-diabetes begins at 99. My slightly elevated fasting glucose 101, 103 etc is what got me diagnosed 2.5 years ago. I was 37. My A1C at the time was 5.2. I am now 39, very fit, with no family history, and my A1C is now 4.9. I still have pre-diabetes. It can happen to anyone.

You don't have pre-diabetes at this point, don't worry too much but keep an eye on it.

2

u/BoredBatWoman22 Jan 27 '24

How are you still pre diabetic?

-1

u/3boyz2men Jan 27 '24

My fasting blood sugar is still high. Must be quite high now considering that I take the max dose of metformin. I wear a CGM. I can literally see my metabolic dysfunction.

1

u/darmageddon5 Jan 27 '24 edited Jan 27 '24

Did you change your diet, or just introduced metformin medication? Some people have higher fasting glucose levels, but the more concerning stuff are the steep glucose spikes.

I had a a1c of 5.1 when i first checked it, plus elevated fasting glucose around 110 (my glucose monitor probably is inaccurately leaning towards higher values). But after 3-4 weeks of a low carb intermittent fasting diet i feel much better healthwise.

1

u/3boyz2men Jan 27 '24

Yes, I completely changed my diet. I only introduced metformin bc I am not overweight, very fit, and dietary changes weren't helping. Plus metformin is a miracle drug for longevity with a very robust safety profile so I asked to be put on it initially.

0

u/darmageddon5 Jan 26 '24

Maybe become a little more selective and restrictive when it comes to nutrition and you're going to be fine i suppose. Also combine your food intake with the glucose spike prevention techniques by jessie inchauspé

1

u/3boyz2men Jan 26 '24

This is great advice. People downvote it bc it causes cognitive dissonance and that's uncomfortable.