I was diagnosed with diabetes during a hospital stay. My A1C level was 6.2.The hospital doctor provided me with educational materials, but did not prescribe any medication, nor did he suggest that I monitor my sugar daily. I am wondering should I be monitoring and taking meds or is it not that serious?

Hi, chemays75!

If you want the most accurate and official opinion, then it would be best to be speaking to the doctor again, or even getting a second opinion from another doctor. It's possible that some people here might have been or are in a similar situation as you, but they can't give you any opinion the same way that a doctor can who knows much more about you and is licensed to give you the facts that you need to know.

Thanks!

I hate putting all the eggs into the basket of h1ac.

I believe monitoring is in order. Occaisional full day: fasting before breakfast (80-120 ish), 2 hrs after (<150), before lunch (<150), 2 hrs after (<150), before dinner (<150), 2 hrs after (<150) and bedtime (<150) and when your sick.

This at least every two months. Guideline could be changed by your doctor.

GO SEE AN ENDOCRINOLOGIST! You may need a sick plan.

First plan will probably be treat with Metformin, an insulin sensitizer.

You may need to see a diabetic nutritionalist.

Get a copy of the Glycemic index of foods and restrict or eliminate foods with a high index. e.g. white bread, refined sugar, pizza, ice cream

Don't let it get out of hand. Don't let your PCP initially treat it.

Certainly have a follow-up with your own doctor. An a1c is sometimes used to diagnose diabetes, but it depends on the doctor and their view point. However, a 6.2, while above what is considered normal, does not fall into the diabetic range for diagnostic purposes.

You might be what is considered pre-diabetic, or glucose intolerant, in which diet and exercise play a vital role, but only your doctor could make the determination.

Monitoring would probably be a wise thing to do so that you can keep track of your levels over a period and discuss with your doctor a plan to keep your levels in check. Then in another 2 or 3 months, you would likely have another a1c check to compare.