So many questions...newly diagnosed "pre-diabetic" and scared

After reading for days about pre-diabetes, I find myself more confused and scared. I'm an avid gym rat. I've been having severe pain in the upper right section of my belly, thirsty as heck, lots of trips to the restroom, horrible fatigue. Just last week my doc tells me my fasting blood sugar (done after a major gym workout) is high and I'm now a pre-diabetic. Type 2 runs in the family. So this crummy way I've been feeling is adding up.
Doc offers no answers after telling me I'm pre-diabetic other than I need to drop weight. This is even more confusing. I do cross fit 3 times per week, BMI is 25. Being female and muscular, I'll weigh more than the height/weight charts say I should.
I plan to drastically change my diet, but have no idea which way to go because the info is so conflicting. I swear my doc just looks at the numbers and thinks I'm a 300lb couch potato, while I'm actually in very good shape for my age (54). Does anyone have info (books, websites, apps) on good diets for active women with "pre-diabetes"? I am really concerned this will turn into type 2 as it has for so many in my family.
Thank you for listening

Welcome to the Diabetes Forum, 1 day at a time! Yes, it's confusing but hopefully you will not be confused after a little reading.

First of all, I don't know what that pain is in your upper right section of your belly. I doubt it's related to your blood sugar so I would pursue that, trying to figure it out. I think it's a separate issue. Muscle? Gall bladder? I don't know. I would be surprised if it were related to blood sugar but I'm not a doctor.

I also think you should have another fasting blood test because if your blood was taken after you were exercising, then the result may be skewed. The reason is our body itself will increase the blood sugar in our bloodstream in order to give us the energy we need for working. This doesn't necessarily mean you don't or won't have a blood sugar problem, but as I wrote, testing blood after a workout will not give a true fasting result for blood sugar.

Ok, now, please read the two stickies at the top of our forum and this website which will give you all the information you need about blood sugar and diabetes: www.phlaunt.com/diabetes/

As worriedgirl wrote, one of the reasons blood sugar rises is because of the food we eat. Carbs like potatoes, corn, rice and any food made with flour and/or sugar cause high blood sugar. So, we can see immediate results of lowered blood sugar if we cut out or cut down on these carbs. We do not need these carbs listed to live or be healthy. Protein from meat, fish, and poultry, nutrients from varied vegetables and leafy greens, some milk products, nuts, some limited beans and fruit, and water will keep you healthy.

Muscle weighs more than fat, so you're right about not fitting into the weight charts properly and it would seem to me to be rather obvious that you are fit and not flabby.

That term prediabetes only means your blood sugar (as tested but I think it's not correct as I wrote) is not high enough for medication. However, like me, you say type 2 runs in your family and that is a red flag for you and your children if you have any, so the best you can do is be evaluated correctly and re-assess the food you're eating. You're active enough and that's is absolutely great!

If your insurance will cover a blood sugar meter and test strips, I think you should ask your doctor to write a prescription for them. You can buy a meter and test strips over the counter in any pharmacy but test strips are really expensive to keep buying which is why insurance would be a good idea. If you cannot get your insurance to supply that, then you can buy one of WalMart's own brand, ReliOn, and the test strips that go with the meter and their cost is the lowest I've seen among others.

So, what I would do if I were you is request more blood tests, another fasting at the very least and make sure you just drink water before you go into the office and don't do any exercises beforehand. If you're due for an annual physical, then do that since your blood work would be included. And ask about the pain on the right side to be looked into.

Both cardio and strength-training are important for everyone. Many women shy away from weights but used properly, they are very good for our overall health. I think it's great that you are doing all that!

I'm glad you posted! Do not be scared! Only fear the unknown. I found the more I learned, the less fear I had and learning everything I can about blood sugar has empowered me to take better care of my health.