My father has type 2 diabetes. Am I danger too?
 

Hello everyone.
I'll get straight to the point. I know it's a long shot, but still.
My father was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes 10 day ago. Does that mean I can get diabetes too? I'm 34 at the moment. I live (try to) a healthy life with healthy diet and moderate exercise. My work is "desk job", so this is definitely a minus.

What is your opinion?

Is diabetes really inherited?

Thank you for replying in advance.
Andrew

Welcome to the Forum! :)

Most people find that there was someone down the line that had diabetes in their family. My father had it and so do I, it's hereditary. There are many things that you can do to protect yourself, even if you think that you are susceptible to diabetes. The office job doesn't help, be sure to get your exercise. Loose weight if you need to. Watch for the signs, you could even check your blood sugar every once in a while.

Read through the first three threads in the Type 2 Section, when you get a chance, if you have not already done so. These threads will most-likely help you a lot, have your father read them as well. Self education is one of the keys to successful management of his diabetes, along with a healthy / sensible diet and exercise. Basically, diabetes requires a life-style change for the better. Good luck with his control and management.

Hi.
Thanks for getting back to me. Yes, well, your case is exactly what I'm afraid would happen to me too.

Regarding my weight - at the moment I have quite a healthy weight (BMI lower than 25). I don't eat much fast food nor I eat snacks (chips, chocolate etc.). I prefer meat - I love a good beef steak!

I workout at least 1 time per week when I play badminton with a friend. I know I should exercise more! I am thinking of joining in a local gym (it's really near where I live). That could be a good investment for sure. Regarding diet - is there something you suggest? I've heard that diabetics are advised not to eat much food that has high value of carbohydrates, am I right? Can this be a preventive measure as well (not putting pancreas under hard work all the time)?

I will definitely take a look at those 3 threads you've suggested.

Regarding blood sugar levels measurement - should I do one just to see where I am at the moment? How frequent should I perform this test? Are blood sugar meters accurate? I mean, if I measure my blood sugar and it shows too high is this result credible? Or should I visit my doctor and ask him to do the test with his device?

And finally - which are the expected blood sugar levels? Is this accurate (http://healthiack.com/health/what-is...d-indication)?
Blood Sugar Levels - Indication
Less than 70 mg/dl (3.9 mmol/l) Low fasting blood sugar
70 to 99 mg/dl (3.9 to 5.5 mmol/l) Normal fasting blood sugar for adults
100 to 125 mg/dl (5.6 to 6.9 mmol/l) Impaired fasting glucose (pre-diabetes)
126 mg/dl (7.0 mmol/l) and above in more than one test result Diabetes
about 70-125 mg/dl (3.9-6.9 mmol/l) Normal random blood sugar
about 70-111 mg/dl (3.9-6.2 mmol/l) Normal postprandial blood sugar
Less than 70 mg/dl (3.9 mmol/l) Hypoglycemia (Initial Stage)
50 mg/dl (2.8 mmol/l) Hypoglycemia (Fasting)
less than 50 mg/dl (2.8 mmol/l) Insulin Shock
145-200 mg/dl (8-11 mmol/l) Post meal Value suggesting early diabetes
More than 200 mg/dl (11 mmol/l) Post meal Value suggesting established diabetes

Thanks again.
Andrew

Bought a blood sugar tester yesterday and preformed the test this morning (prior to breakfast).
My blood sugar level was 4.2 mmol/l. I guess this falls within normal fasting blood sugar, am I right? This is ok then?
How fast should I do the test? Once per month? Once per 3 months?

Thanks.
A

Sorry, I meant to write how OFTEN should I do the tests?

Thanks.
A

If it were me; I would test once per month, two hours after a high carb meal.

If you can meet these, you are doing GREAT:

Fasting BG 70-99 mg/dl (~3.89 mmol/L - ~5.50 mmol/L)
BG 2 Hours After High Carbs < 140 mg/dl (less than ~7.78 mmol/L)

Reference

Conversion

Thanks.
I'll make sure I perform blood sugar tests regularly.

But if I eat low carb foods my results will always be low? Carbohydrates affects blood sugar levels significantly, right?

Yes, but the main test for "Pre-Diabetes" is for a high carb meal after two hours, as described in the previous link.