Pre-diabeties

[Jigger26]

I'm a 34 year old white male. I stand 6'4 and weigh 185 lbs. I am a competitive runner I log about 40-50 miles weekly. I've been running since High School. My diet sucked for many years. I ate alot of saturated fat and bad carbs. But my running has always kept my weight between 220 and 180. Bottom line is I have always exercised, but only eaten well for the past 6 months. I've dropped about 40 lbs 220-180 in this time. My cholesterol was 240 in October 2003 and It is now 155. My Hdl has been 36 both times. That is a concern!! Everyone else in my family also has this problem , but no heart problems. My last lipid profile was Total 155 -HDL 36  LDL 108  and Triglycerides 55.  Let me get to my main concern. My fasting glucose over the past 2 years has been  94,98,104,101,99, and 97. I'm only 10 points away from what they call pre-diabetic. And pre-diabetics become type 2 in 10 years. My internist said that if I continue to exercise and eat right I probably will not get type 2. Or if I do it will be many years from now. I'm concerned because I have read that a low HDL is a sign of pre-diabeties as are high tryglcerides. But I have low tryglycerides. I'm not overweight. My father is Type 2. He is overweight and not active. What is your opinion? JEFF

[Jigger26]

It has been a positive experience. I just found out that he has Type 2. And I decided to check myself out. I guess a fasting of around 100 is not too bad. I will live healthy and do the best, I can.  JEFF

[JDRF-Team-LRS]

JEFF,
Many diabetics experience an increase in blood sugar under stress.  It's related to the adrenal response gettin' us ready for "fight or flight."  I have to imagine that in healthy, non-diabetics the same process occurs to help fuel any needed "fight or flight" response.

I'll bet that by the time you're heading to your car, your pancreas has balanced your blood sugar.

Congrats on your soon-arriving baby.  And congrats on meeting your dad.  I hope that has been a mostly positive addition to your life.  This year, my hubby's cousin was reunited with his son, too.  It's emotional, but mostly wonderful for them all.

[Jigger26]

Input is appreciated. My doctor takes a very special interest. I guess he just knows that I'm very disciplined in my exercise. The diet disciplne is just new. I will continue to live right. I'm very lucky to have what I do. I just recently found my real dad. He has a myriad of health problems, most self inflicted. Is it possible for a person to raise their blood sugar at the doctors office through anxiety. Like whitecoat hyperglycemia? My doctor thinks this might be raising my level a bit. Would an A1c clear that up?  JEFF

[JDRF-Team-maw]

Jeff,

LRS has provided you with personal knowledge or information that I couldn't have answered any better myself.  I'll do some checking to see if I can come up with anything more and
post it if I do.  It is unfortunate that your doctor does not take more concern with this matter.  On the other hand, your numbers are very normal and I'm sure with his knowledge of your history, if something abnormal showed up, he would definitely show the necessary concern.  Please don't get frustrated with your numbers and don't give up on your diet and exercise routine.  It is extremely important that you maintain a healthy lifestyle now more than ever with your child on the way.  My husband has had juvenile diabetes for over 18 years and he can tell you first hand that it is of the utmost importance to keep healthy for your children.  Good luck and congratulations!

[Jigger26]

Fortunately my doctor is my childhood best friend. He just kind of jokes with me about my Fasting glucose. He is not concerned. He knows my history well. He seems to believe that my HDL is genetic. I did have a particle size analysis done and I have large particle size LDL and HDL. Which is good. It is just frustrating to exercise like I do and have such poor numbers. My wife has an HDL of 78. I wish she could give me about 20 of that. Thanks for your input. We have our first child on the way and I have become very health aware. JEFF

[JDRF-Team-LRS]

Jeff,
I hear your concern and yet your blood sugar numbers are normal.

It is not the case that pre-diabetes becomes Type 2 in some interval of time.  If folks do develop pre-diabetes and if they choose to make no changes, they will likely develop diabetes.  Some adults develop Type 1 (an autoimmune disease & different from Type 2).  So, really even if a person DOES have pre-diabetes, there are at least 3 possible outcomes (1) remain in pre-diabetes while making lifestyle changes, (2) gradually develop Type 2, or possibly develop Type 1 (this is much less common).  Folks who choose to work on lifestyle could end up with "non diabetic" numbers, tho' that doesn't necessarily mean they've eliminated the risks.

In your situation, I'd learn all I could about the things I might be able to do to improve my cholesterol profile.  I'd count my blessings that I'm not diabetic nor pre-diabetic and I'd maintain the active, healthy lifestyle to help ensure that continues.

I hope you can let go of the gnawing concern about diabetes.  

Oh, I'm not a medical doctor so I do hope you're discussing these concerns with your doctor.  That person will know LOTS more about your health history, heritage, and risks and can guide you well.  If your doctor isn't the type to discuss your valid concerns, then I strongly recommend you find a new doctor with whom you feel comfortable and welcome discussing these issues.

Good luck, Jeff!