Understanding Blood Sugar Levels: Risks, Symptoms, and Management Strategies

Two years ago, my HbA1c was 5.6, and my postprandial (PP) sugar levels were consistently between 154-180 mg/dL after 2 hours of a meal. My fasting levels were 114 mg/dL. With heavy physical exercise and only initial dietary changes, I continued to eat as non-diabetics do, including sugar, sweets, and usual carbohydrate levels. I thought I am relieved of elevated sugar levels. However, after two years, I feel tired and experience leg pain. Today, I checked my PP sugar level after 2 hours of meal, and it was 171 mg/dL after eating one refined flour roti with chicken curry. Am I diabetic? I'm a 60-year-old male and worried about my health.

I understand your concerns about your recent blood sugar levels and symptoms. I can provide you with some general information that may be helpful. It’s important to note that a proper diagnosis can only be made by a qualified medical practitioner after a thorough evaluation of your medical history in-person, symptoms, and diagnostic tests. However, based on the information you provided, it is possible that you may be at risk of developing diabetes or experiencing worsening of your blood sugar control.

The HbA1c test measures your average blood sugar levels over a few months, and a value of 5.6% is considered within the normal range. However, the consistently elevated PP sugar levels after meals and fasting levels above 100 mg/dL suggest impaired glucose tolerance. The fact that you never faced any issues before may indicate that your body was able to compensate for the high blood sugar levels through increased physical activity.

Given your current symptoms of fatigue and leg pain, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional, preferably an endocrinologist or a diabetes specialist. They can evaluate your condition comprehensively, consider your medical history, and conduct further tests to determine if you have developed diabetes or if there are other underlying causes for your symptoms. They may recommend additional blood tests, such as a fasting glucose test, oral glucose tolerance test, or further evaluation of your HbA1c levels.

In the meantime, it may be beneficial to focus on lifestyle modifications that promote better blood sugar control and overall health. This includes following a balanced diet with moderate carbohydrate intake, regular physical exercise, stress management, and adequate sleep. It’s important to consult with a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian for personalized guidance on meal planning and managing your blood sugar levels.

Remember, self-diagnosis is not recommended, and it’s crucial to seek professional medical advice to get a clear understanding of your health status and appropriate management strategies.