
June 23, 2006
Diagnosis and Symptoms
Question from New Jersey, USA:
I am a fairly active 18 year old. A couple of days at work, my diabetic friend wanted to see what my blood sugar was so she tested me. The first time and it was 150 mg/dl [8.3 mmol/L] and about a half an hour later it was 170 mg/dl [9.4 mmol/L]. Although I ate a big meal with a 16 ounce cup of soda about and hour before the first testing, I still was suspicious. She tested my other two friends and they were about 90 and 100 mg/dl [5.0 and 5.6 mmol/L], respectively. Is this serious? Should I really be concerned and get blood work done? I read the symptoms and none really match, but some do. For example, I used to get dizzy sometimes, sometimes have fatigue and sometimes have to urinate frequently. I never had a tingly sensation in my fingers or toes nor am I constantly hungry or thirsty nor do my cuts heal slowly. What should I do?
Answer:
It is important that you go to a doctor and repeat the test. You should not rely on someone’s home blood glucose machine because you don’t know how accurate it is. Please get checked as soon as possible.
JS