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Frequency of hypos

How many hypos a week usually?

  • 2 or less

  • between 2 and 4

  • between 4 and 7

  • between 7 and 14

  • more than 14

Results are only viewable after voting.

Eldra

Well-Known Member
Messages
60
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Hi,
I was wondering what someone would expect as an OK frequency for hypos. I basically had a hypo every day this week, but nothing under 3.4 and always very controlled. It's usually slow hypos so not that dangerous (morning or end of bolus action). I wish to reduce that number but I am not sure removing one unit from my basal is the answer, as most of the day it is quite stable and nice.

I know the goal is 0 hypos, but there is a frequency that should alarm more or less, which may vary across individual... And I would like to know what is the reality check.
 
I used to have 3.5-4.something readings after meal or end of bolus all the time, I started giving -1U for lunch and dinner bolus and that was it. I had to watch carbs a bit better when lowering my bolus, just to know how much I need with -1U, but I almost eat the same amount of carbs as before.

edit. I used to be happy for hypos, but I learnt its better to be a bit high than low. (Im usually between 4.5-7 now)
 
My answer would be one of those annoying "it depends".
Most of my hypos are exercise related. I am trying to bring this down but sometimes when I reduce my temporary basal for the gym, I go too high. It is a complex balance between what exercise I do, when I do it and what I have eaten prior to the exercise.

My other hypos are usually when I carb-guess. If I carb count accurately (weighing rather than by eye), I rarely hypo. But it is not always possible to weight everything and google "carbs in..." unless you are eating a pre-packaged meal with the number of carbs written on the box.
 
Variable so I've chosen 2-4 on your poll. I've had a good week so far (touch wood) and only had 1 yesterday from taking a correction on reflection which I shouldn't have. Like @helensaramay it's guesswork and not erring on the side of caution which can add to the number for me though I am in what I consider a strong honeymoon period at the moment - ratios are lowish and I am quite sensitive to 1u.
 

Best bet is to do a basal test before reducing your basal dose @Eldra

I've not had any hypo's this week but that isn't always the case
 
I worry about some hypos, and not about others.

The series of hypos waking me up at 3am every couple of days I looked at, and as a temporary measure reduced the night basal rate. Now I'm waking up high every couple of days, but that's safer until I figure out what's happening.

The ones I know the reason for I can ignore, except of course, not to do it again. (Who knew sweet potato had less carb than potato?)

My doctors separate hypos into 'ones I fix myself' - they're not too bothered, 'ones I need help with' - they are not happy and want a reason identified, and 'really low (under 3)' - more than one in between visits and they start changing meds and insulin timing and doses.
 

Quite variable for me too, but I've only really recently started monitoring consistently. For me, 4-7 hypos per week, but I'm working for less. These are readings between 3 and 4mmol. I've been T1 for 17 years.

It does depend on your activity and exercise, carb and insulin intake. I've found that temperature also has a significant effect on my readings. If I get hot, my readings drop a lot quicker. Basically anything can affect your readings, the only way to "kind of" predict them is monitoring!

If you're going hypo at the END of your bolus action you may need to decrease your basal. If you're fine throughout the rest of the day on your current basal, try adding a unit to your bolus if you decrease your basal, or alter your ratios a tiny bit. It's a juggling act, and every now and then the rules change.

Hope it works out for you!
 


Yes my hypos are very similar, not very big and slow to come, quick to leave, which is good. It does feel like juggling a bit hahaha. Good luck for your hypos as well, it sounds like you've got the hang of it.
 
Eldra said:
Yes my hypos are very similar, not very big and slow to come, quick to leave, which is good. It does feel like juggling a bit hahaha. Good luck for your hypos as well, it sounds like you've got the hang of it.
Click to expand...
Haha thanks, getting there slowly but surely!
 
I tend to average 3 a week, if you're trying to keep good control then they are impossible to avoid and although we are 'told' that we shouldn't have them I also feel each one should be justified, so you should know why it happened so it can help you to be aware of the circumstances and help you avoid in future.
 
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