First hypo

Hey Sarah,

Hypo's are scary things, that's for sure! But part of beating this condition is working out what works for you! Because what works for you may not work for me!

You will get there in time, and good DSN;s are hard to find!



Bob

sarah1282 said:

Just wanted to share how freaked out I am. I had my first hypo today. I've been on insulin since beginning of April my dn told me to eat less food which today I did. Never again will I listen to her. I have never experienced anything like that ever and never want to again

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All the technical stuff people spout on about, But just keep checking your blood and remembering/recording your carbs and insulin intake.

Hi Sarah,
They're horrible aren't they? Unfortunately, they're a fact of life if you are diabetic. There are some rules that I have.

First, I always have dextro tablets on me. This is the most important rule - always have a source of fast acting carbohydrates with you. I take three to five if my BG is in the 3 - 4 mmol/l range.

Second, I always have a bottle of lucozade in my house and take it with me if I'm staying somewhere else. Lucozade is the best treatment for a bad hypo, I.e. < 3 mmol/l. Fortunately, I've not had to use it for many months.

Third, always carry your glucose meter with you. Hypo signs can sometimes be subtle and easy to miss. Always test if you think you are hypo.

Always test two hours after eating as this is around the peak of the work rate of fast acting insulin.

Hypos must be taken seriously, BGs < 2 mmol/l can mean loss if conciousness.

Hope this helps.

sarah1282 said:

Just wanted to share how freaked out I am. I had my first hypo today. I've been on insulin since beginning of April my dn told me to eat less food which today I did. Never again will I listen to her. I have never experienced anything like that ever and never want to again

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Not nice Sarah and understand why your freaked out

You don't say why your DN asked you to eat less yesterday, however if you reduce the food you eat (carbs) then you must reduce your insulin too (unless your bg was running high before and this is why they are asking you to cut back on the food but not the insulin).

My first hypo was induced in hospital and they wouldn't let me home until I'd experienced one, still remember it to this day!

Hi Sarah,
I hope you're feeling better now!
10 units of novorapid for 2 slices of toast never mind 1 does seem an awfull lot? Is that right? Do you know how to carb count? To put it inperspective for you 2 slices of medium sliced bread is approx 30g a lot of people use the ratio of 1u per 10g of carbs in the morning I use 1u to 7g carbs some may even use 1u to 5g but still that's anywhere between 3-6 units for 2 slices so I can see why you had a bad low!! would you be on mixed insulin (2 injections a day) instead of basal bolus which is usually 4-10 injections a day depending? If you don't know how to carb count ask lots of questions on here and go back to your dsn and get here to help set up your ratios and put you on a course if they have one.
Good luck. Laura

sarah1282 said:

she told me to have 10 units of nova rapid with one slice of toast instead of my usual 2 slices. Since being diagnosed ive cut out all sugar ive lost 2 stone so now im at the standard weight I do not have big meals but now im terrified of having another hypo

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Yes Sarah but if your only having once slice of toast instead of two then your eating half the amount of carbs but still injecting 10 units of insulin, if your eating less then you must reduce your insulin accordingly, I'm not surprised you had a hypo although the DN should have told you this.

All I can suggest is that you contact the DN again and ask for advice on adjusting your insulin, seems a bit strange that she's wanting you to eat less even though your losing weight, is your diabetes usually well controlled before these changes? The reason why I ask is that uncontrolled diabetes can lead to weight loss?

I wouldn't call hypos a pleasant experience. When I do have one I can see weird lights and can feel like my brain is floating out of my skull-- I can't explain it properly, I'm sure you know yourself, as do many diabetics. Just try not to make a habit of them as if you have many lows it can be hard to perceive them and that can be quite dangerous

Id definitely ask bout a carb counting course it will help loads

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Carb counting is the best route to minimising hypos. For me they happen less frequently, are less severe and faster to recover from since making carb counting part of my life. I also had first hypo in hospital. Was in for 11 days waiting for it. I felt a bit odd and called for a nurse. The rest made no impression as my father, normally cool and unflappable in all circumstances, got very agitated and freaked out. Even knowing his panic was for my well being couldn't stop it from being a mesmerising spectacle never seen before or after! It made the whole hypo experience a doddle as I was so distracted:smile:

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