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Can I just check this level is ok?

Nanny_B

Well-Known Member
Messages
56
Type of diabetes
Type 2
I've only been diagnosed type 2 for a week so still getting used to bg readings. I've just done my 2 hour post lunch test and its 3.9. This is the lowest level by quite a margin I've had and I just want to know if it's ok? The past few days this reading has been 5.0 5.7 6.3 and 7.9. I had baked eggs with ham and mushrooms with cheese.
Any advice appreciated. Many thanks.
 
Are you taking any medications for diabetes? How are you feeling in general?
 
yes Im taking metformin, ciclazide and some statins. I feel ok, bit shaky tbh.
 
That's a little borderline. Some people feel ok below 4 , personally I feel a bit odd on the rare occasion I get there.
I'm not sure how your medications work so can't comment there. I've read that in the absence of carbs some might lower you too much ?? See how you go, you might be able to lower the dose eventually, after conferring with your GP.
Excellent low carb lunch but if you get this result you could add half a Lidl roll or some tomatoes to raise the carbs a little.
You're doing really well.
 
Do you mean gliclazide? Please wash your hands and test again to check meter error.
I have no experience with this medication but I think you are too low to drive legally
 

@ Nanny_B

I would say that's a bit low for so soon after diagnosis. Although I do allow myself to drop into the high 3's when at home with the family, it's the lowest I allow it to drop to and only for short periods of time. I find I operate best around 5 to 5.8, so aim for that as much as possible. Also you need to be aware of losing your hypo awareness if you run too low too often.

As I need to be "Five to Drive" or higher, then it's rare during the day I'll drop below that figure.

Pre-DAFNE I was told 3.9 was the hypo threshold, but after finishing my course, that was amended to 3.5 . Perhaps an apple or yoghurt just to bring you back up a bit.

Well done anyway for your first two weeks, it looks like you've got off to a good start.
 
Hi, 3.9 is classified as a hypo, so you should take 4 dextrose tabs to raise it above 4. Shakiness is a sign of a hypo.
 
Yes if it's Gliclazide which I take, I was advised anything below 4 is wrong. I've not been there yet, my lowest ever has been 5.0 today.
 
Ok thanks guys, I had a sugar free jelly and double cream but realise thats not carbs! Will have some now, sorry for delay been working but feeling a bit shaky still so will load up now x
 
Eating low carb can be very effective in reducing blood glucose - combined with the gliclazide it could be pushing your levels too low - it might be a good idea to tell your doctor and ask if you should continue to take it - though you could always up the carbs if you are feeling the lack of them.
 
Did your doctor/nurse give you any advice on blood glucose testing and going low on gliclazide?
 
Only been advised to test 7 times daily at the mo as was only diagnosed last Friday. My nurse is calling me on Monday so I'll mention it to her. I'm not sure what the gliclazide is for! I take one Metmorfin after evening meal, the gliclazide after breakfast and the station before bed. Then I will increase the Metmorfin in a few weeks to twice a day and then three a day.
 
Hi. I'm going to guess your Gliclazide dose may need to be reduced or even stopped but you must discuss this with DN. It's role is to stimulate the pancreas to produce more insulin but most T2s will already have enough/too much thru insulin resistance and the end result can be a hypo. Metformin is the most popular drug for T2s and even T1s. It helps blood sugar a bit but doesn't cause hypos as it has no effect on the pancreas. Statins are not a diabetes drug.
 
You will need to let your nurse know you have changed your diet so that she can reassess your medication.
 
Thank you so much to all for the really useful info. I'll def mention this to my nurse on Monday. Have a great weekend all!
 
Nanny_B said:
Ok thanks guys, I had a sugar free jelly and double cream but realise thats not carbs! Will have some now, sorry for delay been working but feeling a bit shaky still so will load up now x
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Nanny_B, if these readings occur regularly you do need to discuss it with whomever you see for your diabetes.

As you are on Gliclazide, you do need to treat low sugars, however having to continually eat to keep levels up when you are taking meds to push levels down never seems quite right to me.

Many people find that after they begin to get their eating and maybe exercise into shape they need a bit less medication, but it isn't something to go fiddling with by yourself.

Good luck with it all.
 
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