Ask the Diabetes Educator Archive

Q:

My doctor said that I am a "borderline" diabetic. My fasting glucose was 106. Is there such a thing? A former doctor of mine said either you are or you aren't diabetic. This new doctor basically told me to see a dietitian and exercise 3-4 times a week, and that it would not be necessary for me to monitor my sugar daily. How do I know if what I'm doing is enough if it's not checked regularly?

A:

The old term is "borderline". We now use the term " glucose intolerant" or "impaired glucose tolerance". The advice your doctor gave you is correct: with the appropriate lifestyle changes your blood sugars, lipids and blood pressure can be kept within stable ranges. Two fasting diagnoses of blood sugars at 126 mg/dl constitute a diagnosis of diabetes. Stay as active as you can!