Hello doctor, I am concerned about the fasting glucose level. I just received the results from blood tests taken a week back and I am a bit concerned about my fasting glucose level. On this most recent test, my fasting glucose was 103 mg/dL. I had a full physical eight months back. At that time my fasting glucose was only 86 mg/dL. This rapid rise is of great concern to me as my mother has type 2 diabetes. The doctor did not request an HbA1c test. But, my cholesterol levels were good. Total cholesterol was 185. Triglycerides were 115, which was higher than the previous test. Then they were 73. Also, I am 6 feet tall. My current weight is 200 pounds. My weight earlier was 190. Current waist circumference at widest point is 38 inches. I am very physically active, exercising for an hour at least five days each week. I thought my diet was generally good. I do drink alcohol but rarely more than 2 or 3 beers once or twice each week. Here are my questions. How concerned should I be about the rise of my fasting glucose level? Could this result be in error due to anxiety or drinking alcohol a few nights prior? Could gaining 10 pounds in six months have led to this increase in fasting glucose? What should my next step be? I do not want to develop diabetes like my mother.
Hello. Firstly, we do not rely so much on a single report. Because, there are multiple factors which may affect the fasting readings like as you mentioned stress level, alcohol, diet on the previous day, etc. So you need to check it again after an interval of two weeks. Also, weight gain of pounds can also raise your level to some extent by increasing insulin resistance, so there must be a component of true elevation as well. Your triglyceride level is also increased which goes in hand with your weight so need to have a control over diet. So this elevation is also subjected to various factors like whether fasting or not, previous date meals, etc., to some extent, but there must be true elevation as well as your weight has also increased. So, the fasting is elevated a bit but within normal range only (less than 110). So you need to take all precautions to prevent further rise. So important is diet and exercises. You should try to achieve some weight loss at least. Diet low in calories, fatty and oily component, an excess of green leafy vegetables, and fibers will help in controlling both levels. Also, less of refined carbohydrates and soft drinks. Try to keep alcohol consumption at the lowest level. No smoking, if you do.