New Sign of Diabetes Risk

SHBG Level -- And Genes That Control It -- Mark Type 2 Diabetes Risk

Sept. 16, 2009 - A new blood test strongly predicts risk of type 2 diabetes.

The test looks at sex hormone-binding globulin or SHBG. Once considered merely a way for the body to store extra sex hormones, SHBG now appears to be a player in a number of body functions.

Protection against type 2 diabetes -- or susceptibility to it -- appears to be one of them.

People with the lowest SHBG levels have a tenfold higher risk of type 2 diabetes than those with the highest SHBG levels.

"Sex hormone-binding globulin may have a causal role in the risk of type 2 diabetes," conclude Eric L. Ding, ScD, of the Harvard School of Public Health, and colleagues.

Ding and colleagues looked at data collected during the Women's Health Study from healthy, postmenopausal female health professionals who did not receive hormone therapy. Over the course of the study, 359 of these women developed type 2 diabetes. They were compared to 359 study participants who did not develop diabetes.

After accounting for diabetes risk factors -- including weight and waist size -- Ding's team found that SHBG levels were strongly linked to diabetes risk. Women with the lowest SHBG levels were much more likely to have diabetes than those with higher SHBG levels.

To validate the finding, the researchers repeated the study in men enrolled in the Physicians' Health Study, comparing 170 men who developed diabetes during the study to 170 matched men who did not.

The results in men were virtually the same as those in women.

Moreover, Ding and colleagues found that men and women with a gene variant called rs6259 had 10% higher SHBG levels than those without it. And those with a gene variant called rs6257 had 10% lower SHBG levels.

People with the SHBG-raising gene were less likely to have diabetes; people with the SHBG-lowering gene were more likely to have diabetes.

The researchers suggest that a person's SHBG level may be an important factor in determining type 2 diabetes risk and the need for early treatment.

The findings appear in the Sept. 17 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.

Answer:

Your level is currently NormalHigh (hyperglycemia).Low (hypoglycemia).

If the level is below 70 and you are experiencing symptoms such as shaking, sweating or difficulty thinking, you will need to raise the number immediately. A quick solution is to eat a few pieces of hard candy or 1 tablespoon of sugar or honey. Recheck your numbers again in 15 minutes to see if the number has gone up. If not, repeat the steps above or call your doctor.

People who experience hypoglycemia several times in a week should call their health care provider. It's important to monitor your levels each day so you can make sure your numbers are within the range. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.

Your blood sugar level is slightly high. You should call your health care provider and ask if laboratory tests to check for diabetes are needed. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.

Congratulations on taking steps to manage your health.

However, it's important to continue to track your numbers so that you can make lifestyle changes if needed. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.

Your level is currently normal. However, if you are concerned about diabetes speak with your physician. There may be other risk factors that increase your risk for diabetes.

Your level is high if this reading was taken before eating. Aim for 70-130 before meals and less than 180 two hours after meals.

Even if your number is high, it's not too late for you to take control of your health and lower your blood sugar.

One of the first steps is to monitor your levels each day. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.

Your blood sugar level may be high, depending on when you last ate. If you have not eaten for at least 8 hours, your blood sugar should be less than 100. If you've eaten within the last 2 hours, your blood sugar should be less than 140. You should call your health care provider and ask if you need laboratory tests to check for diabetes. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.

Blood sugars consistently above 180 warrant prompt medical attention.

Even if your number is high, it's not too late for you to take control of your health and lower your blood sugar.

One of the first steps is to monitor your levels each day. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.

Your blood sugar level is high. You should call your health care provider and ask if laboratory tests to check for diabetes are needed. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.

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