Scared of hypo , losing weight fast.

[powerley]

Hi i have a problem with being absolutely terrified of going hypo, i was diabetic for a long time before being diagnosed and the feeling of going hypo scares me to death, therefore i tend to run my diabetes at a high level..9 -10 and upwards....this has probably caused the weight to drop off me..used to be a constant 10 and a half stone , and now i am down to 8 stone and falling ..anyone have any advice on the phobia of hypo's.....thanks in advance

 

[Juicyj]

Hi @powerley Sorry to hear you feel this way, can you pinpoint a moment or time where this was triggered ? I know hypo's are unpleasant, I think every diabetic can relate to this. however it's something you need to discuss with your consultant/doctor. I too had a terrible fear of them at one time but just bumbled my way through it and the fear has disappeared, I still don't like them but they don't feel so bad anymore as I know they only last a short while.

There are ways of preventing hypo's from happening without running high levels with technology now available but this is something you should speak to your consultant about.

 

[powerley]

Yes i realise i need to speak to a doctor, but that is also a problem, it is over 16months since i spoke to any doctor / consultant they said i would receive an appointment and never sent one..best get my bum moving and get back to the doctors and demand an appointment.

 

[Bluemarine Josephine]

Hello powerley.
I can relate to your feeling as I am experiencing the same phobia myself.

I believe there is not one diabetic who is comfortable with hypoglycemia incidents. I think that, to an extent, we are all afraid particulalry if we live/work alone and/or we have chosen to keep our diabetes a private matter.

I guess, as time goes by and as we experience really low levels we learn to feel more confident because we know what to do and we can get through it. For example, I recently reached a 2.5… hence a 3.5 does not feel as intimidating as it used to… It is never pleasant though...

I have found a great friend at the Freestyle Libre. I monitor very often especially overnight as I suffer from noctural hypoglycemias.

Also, by now, I know how my insulin works regarding its timings (at what times during the day it peaks and overlaps with my background insulin, what times my background insulin peaks, and when I am more likely to have a hypoglycemia), I know what time my BG rises (or should rise, so if it doesn't rise then this means I need a biscuit even before the hypoglycemia happens in order to prevent it) and what time it drops during the day as well as overnight (particularly when my morning Levemir injection overlaps with the evening Levemir injection around 23:00-02:00 am) so, I monitor more often during these hours.

When I have a relaxing day at home I do a tighter control and stay within DAFNE range.
However, on working days, especially when I have plenty of things to do, I prefer, just like you to run a little sweeter… I know it is not the correct thing to do but, life must go on and things need to be done…

I do not challenge my diabetes very much.
I hear about people running the marathon of exercising intensely. I, sincerely, do not know how they do it (even a 45 minutes walk for grocery shopping can drop my levels by 3-4 mmols so, I cannot understand how others run for miles… I have not found the trick yet) so, instead, I prefer low impact exercise like yoga or stretching or a brisk walk.

I have heard that a pump can be a good idea for people who have hypo phobias. Maybe you can ask your Diabetes Centre if this can be a solution for you?

I cannot offer advise as diabetes is a haute couture condition… It is “tailor-made” to your own measurements hence, each one has a different experience. What I would suggest, however, is to relax and do not worry so much. Do whatever makes you feel comfortable and safe.

We all know that high BG levels will cause health complications but, honestly, I have met people who tackle diabetes for 20-30 years, they do not have an ideal hba1c and they are still doing alright. I have relatives who have a heart condition or a kidney failure, they are in their 60s and their post meal BG readings are 5.5 (they never had diabetes). I mean, a health condition can happen even without diabetes... for all we know a piano may fall on our head when walking to work...

What I mean is, live for today.
It will be great to reach 60 years old without any complications because of diabetes but, let’s just get there first, safely and sanely. If you are to lose your sanity in order to stay withing the DAFNE 5-7 mmol range then, I would suggest to just forget about it, life is already too short to keep running after your hypoglycemias.

Calm down, relax, stay safe and stay strong.
I am certain that you will do great!

Regards
Josephine.

 

[powerley]

Hi @powerley Sorry to hear you feel this way, can you pinpoint a moment or time where this was triggered ? I know hypo's are unpleasant, I think every diabetic can relate to this. however it's something you need to discuss with your consultant/doctor. I too had a terrible fear of them at one time but just bumbled my way through it and the fear has disappeared, I still don't like them but they don't feel so bad anymore as I know they only last a short while.

There are ways of preventing hypo's from happening without running high levels with technology now available but this is something you should speak to your consultant about.

Yes the trigger was well before i was even diagnose after playing football and having that overwhelming urge to empty every cupboard in the kitchen, the insane sweats and shakes, now i realise even back then over 10years before diagnosis that i was diabetic.

 

[Juicyj]

Yes we've all had one of those !! It's something that you need help with, they can't be avoided sadly, but you need to discuss your fears with your team and this is preventing you from maintaining your target BG range.

 

[Bluemarine Josephine]

Yes the trigger was well before i was even diagnose after playing football and having that overwhelming urge to empty every cupboard in the kitchen, the insane sweats and shakes, now i realise even back then over 10years before diagnosis that i was diabetic.

When I was first diagnosed, and while during my honeymoon period, my diabetes nurse at the time, during our consultation looked at me smiling and told me “don’t be afraid to play with your background insulin!!” and raised my 14 units of Lantus (at the time) to 22 units overall.

Next day I hypoed at 2.1… after bottles of Lucozade and a ridiculous BG rollercoaster of ups and downs, a friend took me to the hospital.

The doctor there told me “I know nothing about diabetes… go to the local Diabetes centre”.
“But” I said. “… it is 22:30 in the evening… it is closed now… what shall I do…”
“Oh I don’t know” he replied “…go have a pizza or something…”

This was my first experience of a serious hypoglycemia. Since then, I am not only terrified of hypoglycemias, I am also terrified of the specialists… I felt as if I am the guinea pig and they conduct experiments on me…

Taking over your diabetes control and experimenting safely is the best thing you can do to get within the target you want.
I also suggest that you set your targets slowly and safely. If you run at around 9-10 mmols, then, try an 8 first (do not attempt to go all the way down to a 5.) Make small steps to the right direction. Conquer your condition gradually, one day at a time, meal after meal.

Regards
Josephine

 

[powerley]

When I was first diagnosed, and while during my honeymoon period, my diabetes nurse at the time, during our consultation looked at me smiling and told me “don’t be afraid to play with your background insulin!!” and raised my 14 units of Lantus (at the time) to 22 units overall.

Next day I hypoed at 2.1… after bottles of Lucozade and a ridiculous BG rollercoaster of ups and downs, a friend took me to the hospital.

The doctor there told me “I know nothing about diabetes… go to the local Diabetes centre”.
“But” I said. “… it is 22:30 in the evening… it is closed now… what shall I do…”
“Oh I don’t know” he replied “…go have a pizza or something…”

This was my first experience of a serious hypoglycemia. Since then, I am not only terrified of hypoglycemias, I am also terrified of the specialists… I felt as if I am the guinea pig and they conduct experiments on me…

Taking over your diabetes control and experimenting safely is the best thing you can do to get within the target you want.
I also suggest that you set your targets slowly and safely. If you run at around 9-10 mmols, then, try an 8 first (do not attempt to go all the way down to a 5.) Make small steps to the right direction. Conquer your condition gradually, one day at a time, meal after meal.

Regards
Josephine

sounds like great advice thank you ...

 

[Munim786]

Hello powerley.
I can relate to your feeling as I am experiencing the same phobia myself.

I believe there is not one diabetic who is comfortable with hypoglycemia incidents. I think that, to an extent, we are all afraid particulalry if we live/work alone and/or we have chosen to keep our diabetes a private matter.

I guess, as time goes by and as we experience really low levels we learn to feel more confident because we know what to do and we can get through it. For example, I recently reached a 2.5… hence a 3.5 does not feel as intimidating as it used to… It is never pleasant though...

I have found a great friend at the Freestyle Libre. I monitor very often especially overnight as I suffer from noctural hypoglycemias.

Also, by now, I know how my insulin works regarding its timings (at what times during the day it peaks and overlaps with my background insulin, what times my background insulin peaks, and when I am more likely to have a hypoglycemia), I know what time my BG rises (or should rise, so if it doesn't rise then this means I need a biscuit even before the hypoglycemia happens in order to prevent it) and what time it drops during the day as well as overnight (particularly when my morning Levemir injection overlaps with the evening Levemir injection around 23:00-02:00 am) so, I monitor more often during these hours.

When I have a relaxing day at home I do a tighter control and stay within DAFNE range.
However, on working days, especially when I have plenty of things to do, I prefer, just like you to run a little sweeter… I know it is not the correct thing to do but, life must go on and things need to be done…

I do not challenge my diabetes very much.
I hear about people running the marathon of exercising intensely. I, sincerely, do not know how they do it (even a 45 minutes walk for grocery shopping can drop my levels by 3-4 mmols so, I cannot understand how others run for miles… I have not found the trick yet) so, instead, I prefer low impact exercise like yoga or stretching or a brisk walk.

I have heard that a pump can be a good idea for people who have hypo phobias. Maybe you can ask your Diabetes Centre if this can be a solution for you?

I cannot offer advise as diabetes is a haute couture condition… It is “tailor-made” to your own measurements hence, each one has a different experience. What I would suggest, however, is to relax and do not worry so much. Do whatever makes you feel comfortable and safe.

We all know that high BG levels will cause health complications but, honestly, I have met people who tackle diabetes for 20-30 years, they do not have an ideal hba1c and they are still doing alright. I have relatives who have a heart condition or a kidney failure, they are in their 60s and their post meal BG readings are 5.5 (they never had diabetes). I mean, a health condition can happen even without diabetes... for all we know a piano may fall on our head when walking to work...

What I mean is, live for today.
It will be great to reach 60 years old without any complications because of diabetes but, let’s just get there first, safely and sanely. If you are to lose your sanity in order to stay withing the DAFNE 5-7 mmol range then, I would suggest to just forget about it, life is already too short to keep running after your hypoglycemias.

Calm down, relax, stay safe and stay strong.
I am certain that you will do great!

Regards
Josephine.

Hi Josephine,

I was holding back tears when I read this reply as I cannot relate to you enough about my experience of having type 1 diabetes since I was 6 (now 25). I always felt I was alone in this phobia or anxiety of normal/low blood sugars.

Regards Munim

 

[meetoe]

Hi i have a problem with being absolutely terrified of going hypo, i was diabetic for a long time before being diagnosed and the feeling of going hypo scares me to death, therefore i tend to run my diabetes at a high level..9 -10 and upwards....this has probably caused the weight to drop off me..used to be a constant 10 and a half stone , and now i am down to 8 stone and falling ..anyone have any advice on the phobia of hypo's.....thanks in advance

Hi @powerley -

I know how you feel. I used to hate going low and still hate that shaky uncontrollable feeling when I have a hypo, and I used to subconsciously do what you do. I've learned that running high to avoid them was just not healthy - and just puts me more at risk to serious complications. Also, when your body gets used to being too high, you start getting those hypo symptoms when you're around 5.0mmol/L or above. For me, my bloods ended up going higher and higher, because I was just chasing the highs.

I've only quite recently discovered lucozade as the key answer to my hypos, along with lots and lots of testing. For me, lucozade bounces me back very quickly from any hypos, so I don't exactly fear them as much as I used to. Also, with my diabetes under much better control, my hypo awareness has significantly improved and my hypo symptoms are not as drastic as they used to be when I used to run high all the time.

I've also learned through lots of testing and analysis of what I eat, the exercise I do and the insulin I take, to manage my bloods so I stay relatively within range without any significant swings. It's a long road, and it takes time and commitment - but as with all things, you get better and better with practice.

As they say, your health is your wealth!

Best of luck.

 

[Janet_rabbit]

My advice is probably not recommended as helping lead to good day-to-day control - which I've never had in 40 years! But I like to see the positive in everything, so associate going hypo with a good excuse to eat something sweet that I like. The thought of being able to have a delicious cake or biscuit makes the hypo a lot less scary. I remember when I was first diagnosed at age 8 I had a very sweet tooth and was very sad to be told I wouldn't be able to have my mum's homemade jam any more. But then, within 24 hours of coming out of hospital, I went hypo and was given a jam piece to bring my sugar back up! So hypos, despite being scary and frustrating, have a very positive side for me, which is just as well as I've had so many over the years ... But even with them, and blood glucose charts that look like a mountain range or a roller-coaster ride, I am very happy because I still have no diabetic complications and am very fit and active.
Hope this helps.

 

[mentat]

Hi powerley,

My experience of hypos is like there's an invisible dementor (Harry Potter) or Black Rider (Lord of the Rings) in the room. There's a profound evil presence, something dreadful, sinister. Another way I describe it: it's like that moment you jerk out of a nightmare, drawn out over about 10 minutes. Hypos don't just scare me, they CRUSH me.

Which is why I jump through a lot of hoops to avoid them - while still managing a decent HbA1c.

My advice is: get a CGM if at all possible. I pay out of pocket for my Dexcom sensors because they are life-changing (they're supposed to be used for 1 week but I can usually get 3 weeks out of them). It can alarm when you're going low, or your sugar is falling fast.

With a CGM, you can change your approach to diabetes. Instead of counting carbs you can just guesstimate the dosage you need, and depending on what happens, you can take a correction later or eat a snack if needed (this is called "sugar surfing").

Even if you can only get a CGM (or Libre) for a short period, it will help you gain insights that help you improve your control safely.

Also, try everything, and fight for your health. Some people find that Victoza or Metformin makes things more predictable. Some people find different insulins work better for them. Some people find low-carb diets to work for them. I do a few pretty extreme things. See what helps make your sugars more predictable. But make changes gradually.

It took me a long time to fight my way out of the vicious cycle of emotional problems that diabetes was causing. It took me a long time to build up my self-confidence and actually push doctors for more options, to keep trying new doctors and find some decent ones.

If you have any questions just ask, or PM me.

 

[Deleted Account]

The advice about a CGM is a good one ... if you can afford it.
I see you describe yourself as a "Newbie". Getting the NHS to pay for a CGM when you are new is going to be a challenge.
Have you ever had a hypo?
Whilst no one likes hypos, the first one is the most scary (unless you loose your awareness but, if you are a Newbie, that is not likely to happen). With all the advice to avoid them and how terrible they make you feel, it is built up to feel like an incredibly scary experience ... "unpleasant" feels like a huge understatement.
When I was first diagnosed, one piece of advice I was given by a fellow Type1er was to deliberately have a "controlled hypo" by taking a little too much insulin at home with someone you trust with a huge packet of jelly babies or bottle of lucozade ... or whatever your treatment of choice is ... close to hand.
Once you have experienced a hypo, it will still feel scary but not as scary: the fear of the unknown has been taken away and you have the knowledge that you can cope. Hopefully, you will then be able to bring your levels down.
I am certain no healthcare professional would advise this approach but it worked for me (and is a lot cheaper than a CGM).

 

[Dump]

Hi i have a problem with being absolutely terrified of going hypo, i was diabetic for a long time before being diagnosed and the feeling of going hypo scares me to death, therefore i tend to run my diabetes at a high level..9 -10 and upwards....this has probably caused the weight to drop off me..used to be a constant 10 and a half stone , and now i am down to 8 stone and falling ..anyone have any advice on the phobia of hypo's.....thanks in advance

Hi I am type 2, and wish I could lose weight by eating.I just put it on,I have Bipolar disorder and last week due to feeling high and confused I gave myself too much Insulin.I had 36 units in the evening,instead of 22 this was due to finishing 1 pen at 14 and instead of with a new pen having 8.I gave myself another 22 units.I had taken 28 units at breakfast so altogether I had taken 69 units that day,I spoke to 111 for advice and eat normally but to my surprise it had no effect on me.I will speak to my diabetes clinic this month.Dave