Type 2 BG Levels.

[andy r]

Happy New Year everyone.

As my new years resolution i've decided to try and get my BG levels under control, but as i dont know much about the diabetes and what i need to do.
I took my blood when i woke this morning and the reading was 9.4. I had something to eat and took my metformin medication. I retook my blood 2 hours later and it was 14.8, and again 1 hour later still and this time the reading is 7.9.
After the lowest reading of the day, i'm now feeling jittery as if my sugar is too low. Can anyone please give me some guidance as to why this happens and how to get my BG levels somewhere near to normal.

Thank you in anticipation of your help.

Andy R

 

[cugila]

As my new years resolution i've decided to try and get my BG levels under control, but as i dont know much about the diabetes and what i need to do.
I took my blood when i woke this morning and the reading was 9.4. I had something to eat and took my metformin medication. I retook my blood 2 hours later and it was 14.8, and again 1 hour later still and this time the reading is 7.9.
After the lowest reading of the day, i'm now feeling jittery as if my sugar is too low. Can anyone please give me some guidance as to why this happens and how to get my BG levels somewhere near to normal.
Andy R

Hi Andy.
You posted in the Ask the Experts thread and I have answered that post. The answers I gave you there apply here too. Have a read back there and if you have any more questions come back to us.

In relation to 'feeling jittery' as you have been running high Bg numbers and then have dropped to lower levels your body will think that you are dropping too far and you will experience some hypo symptoms, this is a 'False hypo', nothing to worry about.

Once your levels have come down to more normal levels this should disappear.

 

[Ardbeg]

Hi cugila,

Forgive my ignorance (just joined the forum and still awaiting confirmation of my type 2 diabetes), but what are normal/acceptable BG levels?

Yesterday at my local A&E they said mine was 16. When I asked the nurse the same question he said they would like to see it fall below 10 and ideally 7 or 8.

Do you concur with this?

Thanks,

Jim

 

[cugila]

Hi cugila,
Forgive my ignorance (just joined the forum and still awaiting confirmation of my type 2 diabetes), but what are normal/acceptable BG levels?

Yesterday at my local A&E they said mine was 16. When I asked the nurse the same question he said they would like to see it fall below 10 and ideally 7 or 8.

Do you concur with this?
Thanks,
Jim

I would agree that ANY drop from a level of 16 has to be beneficial !

The current NICE 2009 guideline Bg levels for a T2 are as follows:
Fasting (waking).............between 4 - 7 mmol/l.
2 hrs after meals............no more than 8.5 mmol/l.

If you are able to lower your post prandial (after meal) levels further then so much the better. Just always remember that 4 mmol/l is considered to be the 'floor' below which it is considered hypo territory - not a good place to be !

 

[madfish69]

Hi,

I've got type 2 for a few years now. Usually my blood sugar levels are within the range...but today as I approached lunch time...I felt (very very mild) uneasy...and basically was very hungry. I was going to have lunch anyways in a few minutes. But because I felt a little starved I checked my blood sugar and for the first time(that I've ever checked)..my level was a little below the minimum of 4.0...it was at 3.6...so I ate straight away and right after eating it was back up to a respectable 5.1...and I'm pretty sure when I check in a couple of hours for the post meal levels it'll probably be 6.5 or 7.

My question is...should I be worried as it seems 3.6 was a one off and to be fair I felt in starvation mode anyway...I had light cereal for breakfast and I was getting very hungry. Is it alarming that I got 3.6 as a one off or is it a more worrisome sign.

As a side note, when I do check my levels in the morning (fasting levels)...I've never seen it below 4.4ish...as in it' pretty normal between 4.4-5.5...some times a 5.8 etc.

Thank you to anyone who responds in advance.

 

[hanadr]

I follow the teaching of Dr. Richard Bernstein who says that diabetics have a right to "normal " blood sugars. Non diabetics average around 5 or just below( Bernstein gives 4.7) and that's where I aim to be. I know not everyone agrees with me, but since I read that non-diabetics whose Bg runs a little high are prone to "Diabetic complications" I decided to keep there. My current meter average over 30 days is 5.1. Since the only medication I'm using is Metformin 500 2x per day. I'm not in any realistic danger of serious hypo So I'm sticking to it. I'm waiting on my latest blood test results frm the hospital and hope I haven't fallen of the 5% sofa, since my bladder infection before Christmas.[ I was running up to the6s then]
Hana

 

[johnc_uk]

After being told I had a BC of 18 in Jun last when I was told I had Type 2, I have been trying to regain control of my body again and get it back to normal...

Now I seem to be a pill popper, with 4 Metformin, 1 Simvastatin, and 2 Gliclazide tablets per day.

On average my levels are on waking around 8.5, but then they can be all over the place, and with out ryme nor reason. During the day they drop down to 5 - 6. For me it is trying to understand the fasting levels. Yesterday it was 10.5, this morning 9.2. Over the last week it has been down to 7.7, in the 8's

Can anyone shine some light on this for me?

 

[Ricky]

I wonder how many of the problems above are due to over medication. I have been type 2 for about 4 years and I control purely in a low carb/low GI diet and exercise. My fasting readings can be anywhere between 5 and 5.9 but I like to keep it in the 5.3 range with 2 hours after eating less than 8. If I eat something I shouldn't then yes my numbers will go up a lot more. Red wine brings it down so on a special occasion when I have a glass I might allow myself a taste (teaspoon) of someone's dessert or a few chips!!
I have noticed that if my numbers are high then a brisk 20 mins fast walk will bring them down.
The only time I couldn't get the fasting to come off 6.2 was when I was in Singapore . I was eating correctly and working out in the gym so I reckon it just must have been jet lag + heat. Before Singapore I was getting 4.7's but have seen those since which was 2 months ago.
My last Hb1Ac was an amazing 5.5 - but after the Singapore incident I suspect it is more now.

 

[theonlysbf]

Long time since i posted so I thought I'd stick my four pennies in.
BG are affected by a multitude of things even having a cold and controlling on a daily basis as a new type 2 is very difficult, especially for someone who wishes to have a normal life as possible.
As a guideline you need to average 6 - 7 as a type 2. The nice guidelines are happy with an HBA1C of below 7.
What I suggest is concentrate on getting your average right. Do a small spread sheet in excel, do regular tests record them, or get a meter that does it for you, I prefer the former.
You will have bad days and you will have really good days, concentrate on the long haul not short term. Sadly you have this horrid disease for the rest of your life you have to learn to manage it. Everyday you will learn what affects you and what doesn't.
I don’t advocate any particular way, low carbing, low GI works, but so does sensible eating, excise and medication. Whatever way you go try and get you overall BG right that’s what will keep you healthy and the DN off your back .
Happy new year

 

[Ricky]

Yes I have also noticed that when you have a cold, flu etc the BG will go up and there is nothing you can do about it. I just tell myself that it is because of the cold/flu whatever and it will go back down when I am better!!

I keep a record in Excel as in one colum you can write things like "red wine tonight" , "had a headache", "started with a cold". You can then print it off for your GP. I also do this with my BP as I get white coat syndrome when a doctor takes it whereas when it is taken at home it is fine!! I even take my BP monitor with me when tested to prove the readings are the same.

 

[Eiche]

I really envy you guys! I am really struggeling still with my glucose levels I see everyone worrying when their level is 10 or 9.something... I struggle with readings between 12 to sometimes up to 18 and only go to almost normal when I barely eat anything or if I don't eat at all (like when I am asked to give a fasting blood sample)... I exercise every day (1 1/2 to 2 mile walks and some weight training) and I have now lost 19 kilos in all since May... I watch closely what I eat but still my glucose levels are driving me insane! I have a LONG way to go to fix me I know, but I get so disappointed when I check my levels and nothing has changed when I work so **** hard to get control! I just had some bloods taken today for my 3 month HBA1c, Cholesterol and Thyroid functions... So I am waiting now to go see my diabetes doctor to see if he will change my dedication dosage or what is going to happen next... Wish me luck!

 

[cugila]

Eiche.
Most of the people round here are probably reducing the carbohydrates in their diet. Medication does not do much in lowering levels, maybe only a point or two unless you are on Insulin.

I see from some of your other posts you seem to like AWT foods and recipes.....they are usually quite high in carbs from what I have seen of the books. It isn't just about sugars.

Do you count the carbs in your meals and what sort of foods are you eating. That may be the reason why your levels are higher, carbs convert to glucose and will elevate your Bg levels.

Just a thought.

 

[Ricky]

In your case it sounds as if your medication needs sorting. I presume you are on some with those levels. I caught mine very early and I think that makes a difference.

 

[Ricky]

The only carbs I do are a small piece of fruit with each meal - never on its own and sometimes I have a slice of Burgen bread (Carb only 29 per 100gr) or Low GI bread which is a mixed seed loaf from a local bakery. Make sure you have enough protein and fat at a meal as they do help the carbs metabolise more slowly. i.e. a piece of burgen bread with lots of peanut butter on. I also buy a soya protein powder from H and B's and mix it in with one of the new diet yoghurts which actually have sweeteners rather than sugar in them . That fills me up for a snack.

 

[Eiche]

Oh I know about the carbs and yes I do watch my carb intake. I swap rice with cous cous and only occasinally have pasta. I eat new potatoes like my diabetes diatitian told me to swap the ordinary ones for the new potatoes... For breakfast I eat oats with fresh fruit most of the time and eat my own home made grannary bread only with wholegrain flower and lots of seeds, again like my diatitian sugested to me and I eat LOTS of veg, cooked and raw, lots of leafy salads and LOTS of fruit and I eat salmon and mackrell with dinner, cut out all bad fatty meat from my diet (like lamb, pork and beef) and only have skinless chicken and nothing fried. I even swapped my milk to soy milk and only eat greek yogurt as it is very low fat and no added sugar like most natural and/or bio yogurts.... As you can see, pretty healthy.... I have another appointment with my diatitian and a nutritionist on the 19th too so I can see what they say to my diet...

I do take medication, not on insulin tho. I take 2- 500mg Metformin 2ce a day, 1- 80mg Gliclazide 2ce a day, 1- 1 2.5mg Ramipril 1ce a day and 1- 50mcg Levothyroxine 1ce a day....

Doc said at my last visit that he might have to raise my Gliclazide dose, that's why I said he may increase my dose, not so sure what he's going to do next to be honest... He is an awesome doctor though so I am not worried that he'll just wish wash over my problems

 

[jaykay]

Do you eat to your meter Eiche? Your carb count would be way, way too high for me. I had to stop eating low GI bread for lunch because it was spiking my BG over 9, oats are another no, no and couscous is still very high in carbs. What are your bg figures like after your meals?

 

[Eiche]

You know, I am really confused by all this contradictory information. My diatition and doctor say one thing, you guys say other things and I am lost as to what to do... I think I will grow myself some whiskas and long ears and hop around eating nothing but green stuff :lol:

I do appreciate the input of everyone though. I will speak to my doctor in a few days and will see how he sugests I fix this high BG of mine...

 

[cugila]

Eiche.
Not to put too fine a point on it......many of us followed the NHS/DUK advice re diet and found it is flawed.

This is the advice we hand out to newly diagnosed which seems to put people on the right track........it does contradict dieticians (some) and other HCP's advice. However, it works........

We have no axe to grind, nothing to gain but see a fellow Diabetic gain control of their Diabetes. We have all been there and made all the mistakes........we don't want you to do the same......

Look around this site and see how many people have followed this and similar advice........see the results. Sometimes 'the book' way of doing things just doesn't work !

Here is the advice we usually give to newly diagnosed Diabetics. We hope that these few ideas gained through experience help you to gain control and give you some understanding of Diabetes. This forum doesn't always follow the recommended dietary advice, you have to work out what works for you as we are all different.

It's not just 'sugars' you need to avoid, Diabetes is an inability to process glucose properly. Carbohydrate converts, in the body, to glucose. So it makes sense to reduce the amount of carbohydrate that you eat which includes sugars.

The main carbs to avoid OR reduce are the complex or starchy Carbohydrates such as bread, potatoes, pasta, rice, starchy root veg and also any flour based products. The starchy carbs all convert 100% to glucose in the body and raise the blood sugar levels significantly.

If you are on Insulin you may find that reducing the carb intake also means that you can reduce your dose of Insulin. This can help you to keep weight gain down as Insulin tends to make you put on weight and eventually cause Insulin resistance. This should be done slowly so as not to cause hypos.

The way to find out how different foods affect you is to do regular daily testing and keep a food diary for a couple of weeks. If you test just before eating, then two hours after eating, you will see the effect of certain foods on your blood glucose levels. Some foods, which are slow acting Carbohydrates, are absorbed more slowly so you may need to test three or even four hours later to see the effect that these have on your blood glucose levels.

Buy yourself a carb counter book (you can get these on-line) and you will be able to work out how much carbs you are eating, when you test, the reading two hours after should be roughly the same as the before eating reading, if it is then that meal was fine, if it isn’t then you need to check what you have eaten and think about reducing the portion size of carbs.

When you are buying products check the total Carbohydrate content, this includes the sugar content. Do not just go by the amount of sugar on the packaging as this is misleading to a Diabetic.

As for a tester, try asking the Nurse/Doctor and explain that you want to be proactive in managing your own Diabetes and therefore need to test so that you can see just how foods affect your blood sugar levels. Hopefully this will work! Sometimes they are not keen to give Type 2’s the strips on prescription, (in the UK) but you can but try !!

If you are an Insulin user in theory you should have no problem getting test strips.

The latest 2010 NICE guidelines for Bg levels are as follows:
Fasting (waking).......between 4 - 7 mmol/l........(Type 1 & 2)
2 hrs after meals......no more than 8.5 mmol/l.....( Type 2)

2hrs after meals....... no more than 9 mmol/l ......(Type 1)

If you are able to keep the post meal numbers lower, so much the better.

It also helps if you can do 30 minutes moderate exercise a day. It doesn't have to be strenuous.

The above is just general advice and it is recommended that you discuss with your HCP before making any changes. You can also ask questions on the forum on anything that is not clear.

Ken / Sue.

 

[shaneabdelnour]

I live in Africa. At the end of the month when I went for my supply of Gliclizade, I was informed that Diamicron had been withdrawn from the market and only Diamicron-MR was available. I had been using this a couple of years ago but was told to go back to the normal one. Now since taking MR my levels have been high [10s]. The MR is only 30mg whereas the normal was 80. SLowly over this month BS has dropped to 9s and 8s and today to 7.5. I had decided a few days ago to increase my Metformin to 4 tabs instead of 3. I try to eat sensibly but then get a craving for a chocolate.
I am being driven crazy by itching, mainly under the breasts and on my back.
I worked out that bread was not helping me so now have half a slice of wholegrain in the morning with my fresh orange juice. I try not to have more than a whole slice by the end of the day. I make my own vegetable soup and eat quite a lot of salad, but other dishes vary as I am cooking for young grandchildren, and my husband likes to eat at least one meat dish per day.
Life has been very stressful over the past two years and getting sinusitis fairly frequency doesn't help, so I don't let myself worry too much at the high levels, but like to go back to under 7.
Above someone mentioned that medication doesn't help, so why are we taking it?.

 

[jaykay]

Eiche, you know what they say, the proof of the pudding is in the eating! That's all that we are saying. Test what we tell you, test what your doctor tells you, test what you think yourself. If your bg goes up after eating certain carbs, cut them out and see what happens or cut the quantity and test and see what happens. You will then understand what effect the various foods have on your body and that is something that no-one else, not even your GP, can tell you.