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After a Hypo

Ruth1501

Member
Hi all - I'm type one diabetic, for 18 years, using lantus and humalog insulins. I've noticed recently that I'm taking much longer to recover after a hypo. I used to be back to 'normal' (whatever normal may be!!) after taking a sugary drink or glucotabs in about 5-10 minutes. Now I feel so tired and cold for a good hour afterwards and it's starting to worry me - is this a trend that will continue to worsen?? The last two hypos I had I needed to go to bed for an hour to recover - and I really can't imagine having to do this after each hypo - don't think the boss would like it if I had an hour's kip in the middle of the afternoon! lol Help!!!
 
Last one was 2.7 - maybe I'm not noticing BS level dropping like I used to so they're maybe a bit lower than before. Again is that normal??
 
Ruth1501 said:
Last one was 2.7 - maybe I'm not noticing BS level dropping like I used to so they're maybe a bit lower than before. Again is that normal??

Does look like you are losing your hypo awareness symptoms Ruth, the lower you go the more time it takes to recover and this may explain why you feel so awful. The usual advice is to run bg slightly higher than normal over a few weeks avoiding hypo's altogether, this is said to help restore your hypo awareness, speak with your DSN today and he/she will advise on how best to do this.

Nigel
 
I am not diabetic BUT I suffer with a condition called reactive hypoglycemia on severe severe severe scale i hit lows as 1.3 its odd becausey sugars go up rather high and then my pancreas kicks in and the just drop. The point I'm getting to is yes you could feel **** after a hypo that low for days sometimes! If you think about it the human body with low sugar is like a car without oil it breaks down 2.7 is not far from seizures really I had 28 seizures over 3 days the brain and the rest of the body needs sugar just to function I been told to not worry about my highs till I hit 20 mmol or more lol I have hit 32.4 and had to burn off. You must make sure you don't go low if you can because the lower you go the worse it will be its very dangerous I know its not easy but I've found eating little and often has reduced my hypos they gave me diazoxide tablets for it aswell but you have to eat the same ways as diabetic people. Also if your on insulin or any other meds I'm certain dosages should be watched so very closely and carefully on weather changes I've noticed a huge difference in my sugar levels on hot days. My condition is so backwards but so simlar in dietry senses only difference is my pancreas goes mental after food and makes way too much insulin which is hard to control I know it ain't always a straight signal with hypos but its better to be a little high rather than low 3.9 is the lowest anybody should go
 
Thanks guys for your advice - will run a bit higher than normal for next couple of weeks and see how I go on. After reading your comment Danny I guess I'm feeling grateful that I have 'normal' diabetes- best wishes to you!
 
I notice that i'm warmer weather my hypo warnings seem to kick in a little late, resulting in some low 3's/late 2's.

Usually i catch them between 3.6-4.3 which i'm happy with, and these are easily treated and i don't really stop what i'm doing, just treat, carry on.. re-test then i'm on my way!

however with the warmer hypos in the summer, sometimes i feel a little knocked back. and sometimes headachy, so i think it may be due to how low you go..

Nigel gave great advice on running your BG's a little higher so you body recognises hypos at higher levels.

Test frequently and never be out of reach from hypo treatment.:)

all the best
 
Hi Ruth,

Great advice from Nigel. the only thing I would add is please do not drive if you are hypo unaware.

Sorry to put it so bluntly, as if you drive, this is a real pain, but you really shouldn't get behind the wheel, if you do not feel yourself getting low. It is not fair on everyone else.

Sorry.
 
I take a while to recover after a hypo too, I just NEED TO SLEEP is the only way I can describe it. I am completely exhausted after a hypo under about 2.5, and literally cannot keep my eyes open. Sometimes this lasts into the next day as well if the hypo was in the evening, it just wipes me out. Hypos above 2.5 don't have the same effect and I can be back to normal relatively quickly, usually within 30 mins.
 
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