blood sugar test level 8.5

[dawnc27]

reposting in chat for traffic, have posted in diabetes

i had a recent full blood screen and my test came back at 8.5 so i have been recalled for a fasting test. this test was taken at 9.30 am and all i had had that day so far was a coffee with one sweetener at 7.30 am. any one know if thats a normal reading for those times and drink?
back ground is had GD in last preg, suspected in at least my 1st one and prob the other 2 tbh, my dad is also diabetic, not sure which type but think its 2 (no contact)
am booked in for next week but rather impatient. i am also peeing more at night, drinking loads more and thirsty often, quite a lot of headaches and very tired and lethargic, all other bloods apart from vit d which is low, are fine
thanks

Was it a random blood glucose reading they did or an hba1c? You need the latter really (as well as a fasting blood test as they'll use that for diagnosis). Sweeteners can have an effect on your blood glucose but obviously if your pancreas is working properly you wouldn't notice it.

It could just be an anomaly no one can really tell you until you have those bloods. Your symptoms do sound like diabetes but also could be down to something else. As a type one diabetic I aim for a fasting reading between 4 and 5 especially in the morning. 8.5 is fairly high for first thing in the morning and having had gestational diabetes you're more at risk of type 2. There's lots of info out there on how to control it well though if you do get a diagnosis. Good luck!

my letter said hba1c was normal

Did they give you the actual number? 6-6.5% (some trusts work in mmol in which case 42-48 I think) is considered pre-diabetes and any higher gives you a diabetes diagnosis. If it's much lower then that's good news.

yes, just checked and it says hbA1 at 42,

OK so that's just on the cusp of pre-diabetes. If it were me then I would look into low carb diets etc do lots of reading. Join the diabetic.co.uk forums as they advocate low carb. It's your best chance at stopping/reversing or just slowing it down. You can go completely low carb or just cut down to 70g or so a day, that is more manageable for most people especially to start with. It's not recommended by the nhs though so you'll have to do your own research

had the blood tests yesterday and just had call to say ive got to see the nurse about the results, think that may mean it is diabetes or would it be doc id see if that?

Your surgery may have a diabetes clinic, and the nurses there will probably see you, especially as you have had gestational diabetes. They will book further blood tests and monitor.

I put myself on the Blood Sugar diet, I had a routine blood test that showed raised levels. However, I was very overweight and shedding 2st 9lbs on that diet has done the world of good for me and I have not put the weight back on, nor have I been called back in after the last blood test.

Yes it will be the nurse who specialises in diabetes or pre-diabetes which I suspect you have. You can maybe stop it in its tracks with the right diet and exercise.

i am, in my own words, a fat bastard. although since mid oct i have lost 2st though still classed as obese, just.
the diet i have been folllowing is sw and been doing gym too, since the letter i have cut down on carbs, things with sweeteners in and less fizzy drinks and squashes.
my surgery does have a diabetes clinic and is based at the partner surgery which is where my appt is, i never thought to ask what sort of nurse, receptionist just said with the nurse

Yes it'll be a nurse who has done extra training in chronic illnesses. It sounds like you're on the right track already so well done. The nurse will be able to offer you more advice and guidance. If it were me I would definitely want a chance to do what I could with diet before starting medication but that's something for you to discuss. Also 2st since October is amazing!