What are the typical ranges for blood glucose in non-diabetics?

1

I am a Type 1 diabetics of 42 years, know a bit about blood sugar ranges for myself as a diabetic for fasting and after 2 hour meal readings, but am CLUELESS as to what the ranges should be for nondiabetics (I did know last month when I was doing a stint at Walmart with a nurse, educating people on diabetes, and we were testing their BG’s - but my sponge brain doesn’t remember the readings, and I didn’t take the info card the nurse was handing out to those that had elevated BG’s when we tested them) . The reason why I’m writing to you all here is because I tested my Mum and Dad’s BG’s today (all in preparation for the GDA Community’s New Year Non-Diabetic Test’olution 2010 from January 1-5, 2010), about 2 hours after we’d had our lunch. It was nothing too crazy, just turkey, scalloped potatoes, green beans, and then abit of dessert/coffee. I test 8.5 mmol/l (153 mg/dl) - but again, I’m on insulin, so this is not bad for what I ate (I did eat abit more of the sweets, but heck, it’s the holidays, and I had to guess at the carb count for when I gave my insulin).

So, my Dad who is 79 years old read 13.4 mmol/l (241 mg/dl ) - my Mum who is 75 years old read 17.1 mmol/l (308 mg/dl). I just about had a panic attack when I saw my Dad’s, and then when it came to my Mum’s, I did my best to stay calm. I didn’t want to scare my Mum, as she has always had good health all her life.

Note - my Dad doesn’t eat sweets - and he’s on a low carb diet (he’s lost 10 lbs in the past 3 months - he wasn’t overweight to begin with - but he had a doctors appointment where they warned him about diabetes - and my Dad then went onto what my Mum calls a “cave man” diet). My Mum eats pretty normal, is normal weight.

Anyway, as you can see, I’m worried. I told both of them they should talk to their GP’s about the readings I took. My Dad doesn’t seem to think too much of his reading, while my Mum on the other hands is. Because she was involved in my upraising as a diabetic, she has more of knowledge then my Dad does on blood sugar readings, etc.

Anyway, in the meantime I’m going to see if I can find anything, I’ve only come across at the ADA website the chart for BG ranges for adults with diabetes so far.

Thanks if anyone can help!

2

Oh dear, so sorry. Did you take any later readings to see if how much they came down? Am assuming they had clean hands:)

I’ve tested friends & my husband after they’ve carbed-out on dessert. Didn’t see a reading over 110-115 & they came back to normal (80’s) pretty fast. Not sure if I’m remembering this right, but I think I’ve read that normal postprandial for non-diabetics is rarely over 120 & not for any length of time.

Dr. Bernstein mentions this in his book. I’ll see if I can locate the figures.

3

These are CGM readings from a study with nondiabetics. They ate the same meal at the same time to sync the results. This gives you an idea what normal BGs look like. I’d be worried about your parents’ BGs. Did they wash their hands before checking?

4

Anna, I think that Danny’s suggestions are relevant, as well as the other posters., those numbers are pretty high for non-diabetics, and actually pretty high for diabetics… I had a high spike yesterday after the yummy but starch laden Christmas dinner(283) that I could have avoided had I not ignored the CGMS beeping ( Playing Wii with my nieces and nephews, listening to the games 'beeps" instead). I was able to correct and come down to normal within about 2 hours… How long did it take for your parents to return? I know you do not want to scare them, but how about you do both pre and post prandials on them today, if you have the time? It may be worth it to compare it to see if what you saw on Christmas is a trend…

God Bless,
Brunetta

5

Hi Danny and Anna, As a T-2 I am living proof of Dr Bernsteins findings. My fast BG was always around 105-117 fasting. This was for over 10 years. My GP said it was fine. He probably as Bernstein said, didnt want the hassle of treating me for T2. I had no idea what a A1C was or the other things that go with this condition so I assumed all was well and trusted my GP. Now this past summer all hell started.

Based on Bernstein ( I am a member of his website) he would have treated me immediately with that fasting BG 10 years ago. I know from listening to him he is not into any of this pre-diabetic stuff. If you have an elevated BG not in his fasting range he is going to treat you. Normal fasting BG for him is around 83 fasting. Bernstiein talks about meter salesman coming into his office, all of them in their 20’s, all in excellent health and all having a BG of around 83BG.

I know though that Bernstein is controversial to many… He hates pumps and says they give very poor control because of injection problems from the scarring and people using them dont watch their diet close enough resulting in poor control , his diet is very rigid, and his ranges are outside of the ADA recommendations.

One other point Anna, check out the Mayo Clinic website. I know their A1C and ranges are lower than the ADA guidelines. I agree with you though Anna they need to talk in depth with their GP. They need to keep what Beta cells they have left.

I lost my dad due to T-2 complications and likely could have gotten a few more years with him… had he followed better control…

6

Anna, Of course, follow up is the best medicine in this case perhaps, but could you tell us a little more about this “GDA Community’s New Year Non-Diabetic Test’olution 2010 from January 1-5, 2010”?

7

Many, MANY thanks for all your replies - I love you all!!! Feeling abit emotional here, and not having a hypo, because after I’d sent my plea of help to you, I did further research, came across information on what a normal non diabetics’s blood sugar range would be, and eventually found at the CDA website (Canadian Diabetes Association) a phamplet to send to my parents via email.
Let’s just say, my Dad is VERY upset with me for worrying my mother (I had sent an email). He said they’re fine they way they are and for me not to be concerned. I feel so helpless, but what more can I do? My Dad told me to just be “a daughter” and not to bother with the diabetic crap. That statement felt like a real kick up the ■■■ I’ll tell you.
Now I think I know what it feels like for a nurse / GP telling their patient “Mr. Kiff you may have diabetes, and further tests are required so we can just make sure all is okay”. Sigh.

8

So sorry for the worry. Very upsetting. I’d feel the same way. I test my family–those who will let me. Really isn’t much more you can do & that hurts, too. Would it be possible for you to call their doctors to let them know? Hoping that hearing it from doctors might have more impact than from a “mere” daughter.

9

Julie,

Below is the press release from the Global Diabetic Awareness ( I am part of this group - partook in an online radio event back in November for World Diabetic Kid’z Day/Weekend 2009 (it’s happening again in 2010 - I talked to alot of other PWD’s / CWD’s from the comfort of my own home - it was such a blast to be involved in this first of its kind event to bring diabetic awareness to the world). Mark-John Clifford who is a Type 2 diabetic and his wife Patti as well as Thomas Moore are the engine behind this group, with other volunteers like myself helping out).

PRESS RELEASE

Global Diabetic Awareness Community’s (GDAC) present a
“Non-Diabetic New Year Test’olution 2010”

** UPDATED report from Cornell University indicates that more than 33 percent of diabetes is undiagnosed. **

Diabetes often goes undiagnosed because many of its symptoms seem so harmless. Recent studies indicate that the early detection of diabetes symptoms and treatment can decrease the chance of developing the complications of diabetes. Often people with type 2 diabetes have no symptoms.

Starting January 1st-5th 2010, GDAC is urging you, as part of the “Non-Diabetic New Year Test’olution 2010”, to have the Blood Glucose Level (BGL) of Non-Diabetic loved one tested. After further considerations, we understand that due to Insurance limitations on the number of Test Strips allocated to many, you may choose to have your loved one tested by his/her own Doctor. The “Non-Diabetic New Year Test’olution 2010”, will be an ongoing quarterly project to track the “Non-Diabetic New Year Test’olution 2010” results throughout the Year.

Visit ‘Project Diabetes’ (http://www.projectdiabetes.com) and sign up for a free account, and enter as much data as possible, using the ‘Diary Entry Note’ field to indicate what Loved one(s) was tested.

There is also a NEW Group on “Living out Loud with Diabetes” named “Global Diabetic Awareness - Diabetics reaching out to help others “ (http://joyofdiabetes.ning.com/group/globaldiabeticawarenessdiabeticsreachingouttohelpo?xg_source=activity) that you can visit to be a part of the “Non-Diabetic New Year Test’olution 2010” on the “Joy of Diabetes” Website.

For those on the go, the “Track 3” (http://www.track3dmd.com/DM_Distribution/Welcome.html) is the perfect solution to enter your data on the fly. “The Track3 is an Electronic Diabetes Planner that acts as a Carb Counter, *Insulin Dose Calculator, & Logger. Your diet, bg, insulin, meds, & exercise can all be ‘tracked’ and maintained for a more effective & easier
Diabetes Management !”

If you have a Twitter account, Tweet your efforts and who you tested using the #test2010 hashtag. You can also include in your Tweet, a Picture/Video of you and your Loved one(s) testing. You can also follow up with a more detailed story of the specifics on our Forum at the Global Diabetic Awareness Community” Hub
(http://www.1diseaseworldvoice.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=5)

According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), here are some of the warning signs to be aware of:

• Frequent urination
• Unusual thirst
• Extreme hunger
• Unusual weight loss
• Extreme fatigue and Irritability
• Frequent infections
• Blurred vision
• Cuts/bruises that are slow to heal
• Tingling/numbness in the hands/feet
• Recurring skin, gum, or bladder infections

Sources: National Diabetes Fact Sheet of the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Heath Promotion; NCHS; CDC; ADA; AACE; US House of Representatives Resolution 914;http://www.diabetes.org (ADA Website)

For more information you can contact Global Diabetic Awareness at test@ctwgda.com

10

Very sorry for you to have found this out. Have you ever tested them before? A one time reading can be intimidating, but those numbers are very high from what little I know. My research agrees with much of what is posted here. A non-diabetic never sees anything over 140, more usual is 120 an hour after a meal, and within 2 hours, back to the 80’s or low 90’s. That is where I am at now, but only with restricted carb intake.

I am sorry your dad was so short with you. Sometimes parents forget that their adult children, are grownups too :slight_smile: Do they have any other symptoms? I can imagine that someone approaching 80, is probably not going to be a very good diabetes patient, and alter their eating habits, let alone their exercise routine. Depending on any other meds they take, diabetes medications may really goof them up at first.

I don’t expect anyone to agree with me, and I understand why, but I think there comes a point in our lives when things like that are just taken in stride, and left alone. I suppose numbers that high would come down pretty fast with just a little restraint at the table and a bit more choosy about what they eat. At least that would lower the numbers quite a bit without any other efforts.

My mom at 81 or so, was tested and got big numbers, and her physician did nothing about it, which I think was the right move since she was not about to change her lifestyle at that point anyway. I just wish the doctor had told me and my siblings, and maybe I could have avoided, or postponed my problems with that knowledge.

Anyway, I wish you well trying to get them to buy into treating it. Let us know how it goes?

John

11

Thanks John for your words, very comforting.

My parents do eat very healthy, always have, except right now my Dad is on the low-carb diet and he’s looking abit gaunt right now, as he never was overweight before, but for one reason or another, he felt he was. My parents basically has always followed the same diet I do all their lives, so their eating styles would not have to change at all, which is one less step for them (and I had told this to them). Like you say, at their age, I guess they think, why bother, it is just I work with other Type 2 diabetes of their age group, and they are doing well on meds/exercise/diet. I know my Mum and Dad have always been very much against taking prescription drugs (note my Dad has a prostrate prob - takes meds and he’s doing very well - which is normal for men of his age - he says that diabetes is his less concern).

I know that my Mum will be the easier one to talk to. I spoke with her an hour ago, and she is going for a routine blood test on Jan 4th (she’s been dealing with high cholesterol since the summer - her only health problem at 75). She is has ticked off the area for the A1C test and I also told her to tell the nurse at the same time to do a finger prick BG test at the same time. She sees her doctor a week later (wish I was there for it - but she won’t let me drive home to accompany her - she is a very proud woman). I told her to tell the GP of my BG reading I took, not sure if she will do that, but I can only hope she remembers.

The good thing is - they haven’t removed my pictures from the house yet, when that happens, then that’s it for me (I know sounds abit weird/harsh - but families do strange things ).

12

Dear Anna, this is tough and sad for your family , as people age another " thing " having to deal with .As one of our dearly departed neighbour at age 93 , used to say : These Golden years, have a lot of Tin in them " …everyone said it and yes , doctor’s app’t’s to have this verified should be in place soon . I noticed and glad , you went to the CDA website …their 2008 Clinical Guide lines were released earlier this year. I would think , that the Nurse , you worked with at Walmart ( in Canada , Montreal ??) , doing random bloodtests would use these guide lines and council people to see their Doc, if they have above the norm numbers such as these of your parents , correct ? Their blood work for diabetes , besides A1C should likely be a fasting and random one , chol testing ( is fasting , incl NO tea, as I learned some time ago ) and visit to Doc likely should include blood pressure test. Hope I am not repeating , what others have posted.
Love to you …deep down your Dad LOVES you , the pictures prove IT :slight_smile:

13

Yes Rella - LOL - I insisted on them washing their hands! Even tho’ we’d not had anything sweet to eat - best to be on the safe side when it comes to BG testing via the vampire pricking machine .

14

It’s a travesty when people get substandard medical attention from doctors because of their age. Malpractice. You’re old, so no one thinks you’re worth the time or effort. Infuriating. How about letting the patient decide what she wants to do? Perhaps someone won’t change their lifestyle, but withholding info & making assumptions is wrong. It’s one thing if it’s an invasive procedure that’s too risky.

We went through something similar with my grandmother. She was in her 80’s when diagnosed with congestive heart failure. Her doctor chalked it up to age & was nonchalant. My mother found a doctor who cared & treated her with respect. My grandmother lived to be 93, a vibrant 93 in her own home.

15

What a great story Gerri. My Mom lived with me until; she passed, as does my Father now. My Husband’s Mom was at home but his Dad got stuck in an assisted living place where he passed not long after that.

16

My mother doesn’t take no for an answer:) I’ll never forget her calling me after the appointment with that arrogant doctor who’s only answer was “she’s old.” She was livid.

How wonderful that your mom lived with you & that your father is with you. My mother is now in her early 80’s & just as feisty as ever. She swears she’ll never move in with me or my sister, but we both want her to, if she needs to.

17

Anna, You did the right thing. You love your parents and are concern. It is funny that yesterday I noticed that my husband was complaining about being tired, peeing and all the other symptoms. I tested him and found that his post dinner bs was 220. He became very concerned at that point. I told him that we will keep an eye on it for the next couple of weeks and need be will call the Dr. I did remind him that many in his family, Mom, grandfather, cousin has been dealing with Type 2.

I believe that I did the right thing.

18

Dargirl, you absolutely did the right thing!

19

Anna, FYI : Igal Koiman just started a discussion of Global Diabetic Awareness too .

20

Glad that someone has opened up a separate discussion for it! Mark Clifford, who started up GDA, which I’m a member of since partaking in their World Kidz Day back in November on the “Internet Radio”, asked me today if he could use my scribbles about my parents. I had to wipe his comment off my Facebook page, because my Dad as I mentioned is very upset with me. I do not want to lose my parents over this of course, but at the same time, do not want them to go undiagnosed with diabetes without further tests (e.g. random blood tests, etc.). I did give Mark permission to use my story, but to remove any mention of Mum/Dad - to be on the safe side. I keep on thinking that perhaps they are worried, because of travel insurance being so high for them, that if they have diabetes, it will make it unaffordable for them to travel abroad anymore. Hope not - sigh. I’ll help pay whatever extra it does, if that’s the case.