Ask the Diabetes Educator Archive

4/19/04

Q:
Can you be diabetic without any of the typical symptoms at all?

A:
Yes, one can live for years with elevated blood sugars that may hover under the 140 fasting level. This is one reason the fasting criteria was changed to 126, because many people newly diagnosed with diabetes were already experiencing complications. The usual symptoms you are referring to are frequent thirst, urination, blurry vision, among others. The fasting level of 100 is now designated as "pre-diabetes." I advised people with fasting blood sugars in the nineties to start tuning up their lifestyle, thinking PREVENTION. It is wise to always request a copy of your lab reports.