[blueridgegirl]

Hello all,

I'm blueridgegirl, just joined today, and I posted an introduction on the introductions forum if you'd like to know anything more...
anyway, I have IR and I have ovarian cysts (but have been told by my gyno that I don't have PCOS). I am at 217, have lost nearly 20 pounds since the new year. My question is about blood sugar - does anyone out there with IR find it beneficial to check their blood sugar? Or, how often should it be checked in a lab? It is my understanding that the only line between prediabetes (IR) and diabetes is how high blood sugar is getting, and it seems like it would be a way to see how different foods are impacting one's body, but I hadn't heard much discussion about it. I have seen those blood sugar tests at the pharmacy, and not sure if it is an investment I should consider making. Any thoughts?

[greencrazed]

Hey Blueridgegirl,

I have prediabetes and I check my fasting blood sugar almost daily. I bought a meter at Walmart for $18 and test strips ($26 for 100 strips) online. I'm trying to reverse my prediabetes through weight loss, exercise and a healthy diet. I've lost about 35 pounds so far and I haven't had a prediabetic fasting blood sugar in a while. YAY! Testing at home is simple and a great way to know what's going on with your health. I think my doctor may even charge more than what my entire set up cost for just one test. I highly recommend getting your own meter. Take charge of your health.

Greencrazed

[Qualera]

I am insulin resistant, and do test my blood sugar occasionally. I don't have a prescription for the testing supplies. I use my mom's when I do, since it isn't very often. My doctor tests my blood sugar and other blood chemistry every few months, and I sometimes check in the times in between. Usually once or less between visits to the doctor. I don't worry much about mine anymore since for the past year my fasting blood sugar has been around 100. It has been as high as 123 a few years in the past, which did concern my doctor.

I think it can be useful to check how your diet is affecting you. Nothing wrong with asking your doctor for a prescription for the materials you need. At least you need one here (Illinois) for the lancets at least.

[weightlosswanted]

you can go to some of the pharmacy websites and get a free meter online, the one I got is freestyle. they do ask for the date you were diagnosed w/diabetes and I think your doc's name. I put down the date I was first told my fasting glucose was too high. I think I got it in less than a week. now I'm prediabetic and my dr wants me to check 2x daily.

[MissGiggles]

I am doing the same thing. I do not have a prescription but I am testing for at least one month straight (to get trends) and then will go to less once I get a pattern down.

The meter is not the problem, it is the test strips. However each pharmacy has their generic brand that is cheaper. Plus you can get them online much cheaper but watch the expiration dates.

The problem with one test every few months is that you may have normal sugar in the morning but peaking after meals.. and you won't have a high enough a1c to be considered diabetic yet.