Dr. Gott: Don’t rush to meds for diabetes treatment
Dear Dr. Gott: My recent nonfasting glucose was 102, and my A1C was 6.21. My physician wants to repeat the A1C in three months, and, if it is still elevated, he will recommend oral diabetic medication. What is your opinion? I am 82.
Dear Reader: Your blood tests do not unequivocally indicate diabetes. Even if these numbers were based on a fasting glucose and A1C, I would not recommend medication.
Nonfasting blood tests for diabetes, cholesterol and other disorders are not reliable enough to form the basis for a diagnosis. The tests measure not only what your body is making and storing, but also whatever fats, sugar, etc., were in the food you ate in the last six to 12 hours. This is why most physicians order blood work when a person has not eaten anything since dinner the night before the testing.
I urge you to request a retest after fasting. This will provide a more accurate result. If your numbers are similar, you do not need medication. I believe that your numbers, however, will be even lower in the normal range.
If your numbers are abnormal, don’t take any medication before trying nonmedical treatments, such as getting more exercise, losing weight if you are stout and cutting back on sugar and sweets.
Given your age and the normal blood-test results, I’d simply follow up with blood-sugar testing once or twice a year.
To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Living with Diabetes Mellitus.” Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed, stamped No. 10 envelope and $2 to Newsletter, P.O. Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.
Dear Dr. Gott: A nurse told me that our bodies can absorb only 300 milligrams of calcium at a time, and anything more will be wasted. As a result, she cuts her 600-milligram tablet in half and takes four halves at different times during the day. Is she correct, and, if so, why can’t we buy 300-milligram tablets? I don’t believe I have seen that low a dosage on the market.
Dear Reader: I am unaware of any authority that states that only 300 milligrams of calcium can be absorbed at a time. However, I see no harm in your friend’s practice.
I am unfamiliar with any calcium marketed in a lower dose than 600 milligrams. This is probably due to the fact that the recommended daily dose is 1,200 milligrams. Most people prefer to take one or two pills rather than three or four every day.
I recommend you take a calcium supplement with vitamin D added. This vitamin is important for the body’s absorption of calcium. The daily recommended dosage is 400 international units for people 51 to 70 and 600 international units for people over 71. This amount can often be achieved by taking two supplements per day.
If you still have concerns, speak with your physician.