I just found out I have prediabetes. My doctor will check my blood sugar in 6 mos. Would it be a good idea to be able to check it myself at least once a week? Nothing was mentioned about a meter etc. I have to change my diet and exercise more, but I thought a meter would let me know how well I'm doing with the changes. Any ideas???
Q: Do people with prediabetes ever check their sugar with a meter?
Answers (3)
8/ 4/08 11:12pm
Ms Nanny-
You should check your blood glucose levels. You should check with your health care provider, he or she can write you an RX for testing supplies and a meter. You will also need to check with your insurance company to see if they will cover testing supplies for you since your not a diabetic. Be proactive and it may help you in the long run.
Cherise
Community Moderator
8/ 1/08 12:05am
YES! Checking before and after meals is a great way to get info on how your body reacts to food. I am also pre diabetic and ran across this post as I was researching related heath issues. Monitoring your blood is also the only way for you to see the actual glucose #'s throughout the day and develop and understanding of the ranges they should stay within. The best thing to do is to set up an appointment with your local diabetes center. Most insurance companies will cover the cost of this. The people at these centers are extremely helpful and can answer any question or concern you have. Your Dr. office can help you find one near you. They will educate you about the glucose monitoring system and why it is so important. If you can swing it, get an appointment with a nutritionist there too. I reluctantly went to the diabetes center when I had gestational diabetes years ago and have to say that the information has proven invaluable! The need to talk with these experts has nothing to do with your intelligence or independence. It's all about geting personalized information from the experts. Take charge so that you can prevent the progression of this ugly disease.
11/26/08 10:39am
I'm 75 years old and I have also been diagnosed as Pre-diabetic. I'd love to check my glucose level once in a while just to see if I'm doing well. My insurance will not cover the expense of the meter or the strips. I can get a meter free of charge but the strips are very expensive. I assume that if my doctor wanted me to check my level on my own, she would have advised me to do that. I don't feel that it is such an emergency that it requires checking. In the beginning I was very concerned but I've decided to let the doctor take care of me and stop worrying about it. I too have started exercising and have lost weight. I hope that will take care of it for now.
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