Type 2 Low Reading 3.4

[Bri]

I am getting frequent readings if 3.4 to 3.7 on my test kit. I know when its a low blood glucose reading by how I feel. I am on metformin 4 x 500mg a day ..would this be the reason my bloods are dipping so excessively? I eat regularly all day , spreading the load , but by 5 pm I dip drastically , and eat anything sweet. Don't know what I am doing wrong ? Seeing the diabetic nurse in a month.

 

[britishpub]

I am getting frequent readings if 3.4 to 3.7 on my test kit.

I frequently get readings in that range, and it doesn't bother me at all, as usually I feel perfectly fine at those levels.

I don't think it will have anything to do with taking Metformin, as the drug doesn't work in that way.

 

[LittleGreyCat]

I am getting frequent readings if 3.4 to 3.7 on my test kit. I know when its a low blood glucose reading by how I feel. I am on metformin 4 x 500mg a day ..would this be the reason my bloods are dipping so excessively? I eat regularly all day , spreading the load , but by 5 pm I dip drastically , and eat anything sweet. Don't know what I am doing wrong ? Seeing the diabetic nurse in a month.

How long have you been at this level of medication and have you changed your diet, lost weight, or made any other significant change recently?
Your details show you as a member since 2011 so I assume that diabetes in general is not new to you and you have a history of HbA1c readings in the diabetic range.

 

[Resurgam]

Metformin is not supposed to cause hypos - but why do you think that you should eat regularly?
I find that eating twice a day, early and late, is the best option. Type twos need to get their pancreas to calm down and stop producing insulin to excess, so constant stimulation seems counter to the main aim of restoring normality.
Usually insulin resistance falls during the day, so I suspect that the drop is due to the insulin released into your blood finally being able to take effect in late afternoon.

 

[Daibell]

Hi. There are some forms of diabetes such as Reactive Hyperglycemia which can result in unexpected sugar levels. Metformin shouldn't be causing this but you could always stop it for a few days and see whether that has any effect? I suggest you discuss further with the DN and perhaps ask for a referral. It would be OK if you felt OK at these low levels but as you also feel low I would follow-up.

 

[Lamont D]

If you are getting continuous episodes of Hypoglycaemia, you must do a few things,
Speak to your GP about tests, even ask for a referral to a specialist.
Keep a food diary, and be driven to record your readings, pre meal, one hour, two hours and maybe even three hours.
As someone has already said, they get regular readings in the threes. Some T2s can cope at this level.
If you are eating every couple of hours, what is the reason for this, is it to avoid feeling unwell or been advised to? It also depends on what you are eating that causes these readings..
More information please, what was your last Hba1c levels?
Have you tested your fasting levels just before breakfast? If so, can you give us those readings.

It may be part of your control of your diabetes, it could be a lot of things. If you keep a food diary, this will help in your doctor understanding what is going on.

Best wishes

 

[Energize]

I remember the Diabetes Nurse telling me to eat little and often soon after I was diagnosed, several years ago. I suppose this would help to keep the blood glucose more stable but I'm not sure it has the best effect on insulin levels.

 

[Bigbloke48]

I am getting frequent readings if 3.4 to 3.7 on my test kit. I know when its a low blood glucose reading by how I feel. I am on metformin 4 x 500mg a day ..would this be the reason my bloods are dipping so excessively? I eat regularly all day , spreading the load , but by 5 pm I dip drastically , and eat anything sweet. Don't know what I am doing wrong ? Seeing the diabetic nurse in a month.

What and how much are you eating regularly all day?

 

[Lamont D]

I remember the Diabetes Nurse telling me to eat little and often soon after I was diagnosed, several years ago. I suppose this would help to keep the blood glucose more stable but I'm not sure it has the best effect on insulin levels.

The only thing that it is detrimental about this advice is the balance of protein, fats and carbohydrates. The recommended dietary advice from the NHS is too high in so called low GI, healthy complex carbs. It is often noted that even these healthy carbs will spike quite a few diabetics and especially so in my case, when I was misdiagnosed T2 over ten years ago.

 

[Bri]

Metformin is not supposed to cause hypos - but why do you think that you should eat regularly?
I find that eating twice a day, early and late, is the best option. Type twos need to get their pancreas to calm down and stop producing insulin to excess, so constant stimulation seems counter to the main aim of restoring normality.
Usually insulin resistance falls during the day, so I suspect that the drop is due to the insulin released into your blood finally being able to take effect in late afternoon.

Interesting , I have taken on board your comments , thanks !!

 

[Bri]

Hi. There are some forms of diabetes such as Reactive Hyperglycemia which can result in unexpected sugar levels. Metformin shouldn't be causing this but you could always stop it for a few days and see whether that has any effect? I suggest you discuss further with the DN and perhaps ask for a referral. It would be OK if you felt OK at these low levels but as you also feel low I would follow-up.

Thanks , good advice !! I am taking note of everyone's answer !

 

[Bri]

If you are getting continuous episodes of Hypoglycaemia, you must do a few things,
Speak to your GP about tests, even ask for a referral to a specialist.
Keep a food diary, and be driven to record your readings, pre meal, one hour, two hours and maybe even three hours.
As someone has already said, they get regular readings in the threes. Some T2s can cope at this level.
If you are eating every couple of hours, what is the reason for this, is it to avoid feeling unwell or been advised to? It also depends on what you are eating that causes these readings..
More information please, what was your last Hba1c levels?
Have you tested your fasting levels just before breakfast? If so, can you give us those readings.

It may be part of your control of your diabetes, it could be a lot of things. If you keep a food diary, this will help in your doctor understanding what is going on.

Best wishes

Thanks for your comments !! I am reviewing everything ,I need to get a grip !!

 

[Lamont D]

In my case it took over a decade to get a true diagnosis.
Be kind to yourself, nothing will change overnight. Be patient and make changes slowly.

 

[Bri]

In my case it took over a decade to get a true diagnosis.
Be kind to yourself, nothing will change overnight. Be patient and make changes slowly.

Wise words , thanks !