Eureka!!!

Lorrie said:

does it normally happen this quick that you get low readings from cutting out carbs, I really really cannot beleive this has happened so fast, wow

Click to expand...

Yes it can. My mate was diagnosed with a fasting reading of 16 and HbA1c of 11.2
I spoke to him about carbs and diet, (I've been on diet only with restricted carbs for a while now) and within a short while his post meal readings averaged 5.7 with no meds. If you stick to a sensible, sustainable diet you could probably reduce or possibly cut out your meds from the sound of your readings - if you wanted to that is. Obviously, we don't know what meds you're on, so CHECK WITH THE DOC FIRST, but some people can.
Well done

Lorrie said:

Thanks for that, I can't quite beleive it, but just done my pre lunch reading and it was 1.8, thought there was prob with meter to tested my husband he was 6.6. I realise this 1.8 is too low, and havn't really introduced a carb yet, but I am on 2 x1000 metformin and 3 x 5gm glibs, and they are making me feel really ill after taking them stomach cramps and diaorrhia, so will introduce a little carb, but may see GP if prob with meds continues, but thanks for your info

Click to expand...

With a BG that low I would be seeking medical advice sooner rather than later, and asking if it makes sense to lower the medication. There needs to be a balance between what we eat and (chiefly) insulin levels. As I understand it, Glibenclamide/Glyburide (glibs?) works by stimulating insulin production. If you have significantly cut back on foods that raise Blood Glucose levels you likely don't need so much insulin -- too much could cause dangerously low BGs. Until you do see your Doctor I'd suggest that you are best to keep testing, correct any low BGs with food as necessary, and stay well hydrated. In the longer term it makes little sense to me to have to eat more than you might otherwise need (or want) simply to satisfy the medication.

Good luck

Sure Lorrie -- I understand the feeling... I've "danced a dance" with my Doctors when the guidelines tell them one thing and I've said a polite "yes, but..."

I try to keep it good-natured and I've had tacit agreement from some HCPs. I'm generalising of course but I do think that often they are constrained by the guidelines which unfortunately tend to be conservative and may only change at monolithic speed. Despite that, they are highly-educated professionals who generally want to help... I value and respect mine.

By preparing myself with a thorough grasp of my own rationale and why I want to try it, presenting log books of food and BGs to back it up (graphs can be impressive!), and even printing off relevant studies, they have usually been satisfied and supportive -- you might be pleasantly surprised. Good luck.

To be clear: I'm not suggesting that anyone should go against the advice of their Doctor but with a chronic disease like Diabetes, each us may be in a better position to figure out our own approach and by presenting it to our HCPs, gain their support.

---

You may have already heard this but when you do get an unexpected BG reading: I'd suggest washing your hands in warm soapy water (to improve circulation, while removing potential contaminants), rinse well and dry thoroughly, then retest... your Husband will thank me :wink:

pianoman said:

By preparing myself with a thorough grasp of my own rationale and why I want to try it, presenting log books of food and BGs to back it up (graphs can be impressive!), and even printing off relevant studies, they have usually been satisfied and supportive

Click to expand...

Hi, good idea about logging readings, i have developed a spreadsheet, which you may find useful, i've added a dosage calculator, which i've tested on myself, DAFNE graduates may find it useful in that sense. Please feel free to try it out and let me know what you think, theres even a sheet containing some graphs with monthly average readings (these dynamically update with each reading).

They can be downloaded here http://www.gibsonweb.co.uk/index.php/spreadsheet-design-area/81-free-spreadsheets