Glucagon

Hi all,

Type 2 diagnosed in Jan (some may know this already from my millions of questions) - have one more.

Am on basal/bolus regime and taking metformin.

Bloods are pretty stable these days and mainly within target range.

That said, twice this week I've had a low blood sugar episode.

The first was at work, haven't been into the office for months but had to go in for a few hours this week. Was on a call when my libre2 alarm went off. Confirmed with a finger prick, bloods were low. Felt ok so carried on what I was doing for a few mins, then started to feel sweaty etc so had something to eat and went back to what I was doing.

That was probably due to the fact I was a bit more physically active (driving, up and down loads of stairs etc) than I'm used to so a bit of a learning experience.

The other was overnight. This was a first for me. Woke up around midnight - felt fine but again had a low blood alarm on the libre. This time it was at 2.9 - the lowest I've ever seen.

Got up, felt rough for a while, at and brought my bloods back up and felt fine so went back to bed.

I think in this case I had a couple of units too many when I had dinner (and it was a bit late when I ate). It's a rarity for those things to happen so unlikely to be repeated any time soon if at all.

BUT

These two occasions got me thinking.. its all well and good if I'm "with it" enough to know whats going on and manage to eat/drink something to sort it. But what if I wasn't?

So I've been reading up on glucagon injections and think it would do no harm to have one and show the wife what to do with it if need be. My colleague is St John's Ambulance so work is covered on that front.

Will the GP issue me a prescription for one if I ask? Is it restricted only to those with type one or a history of bad hypos?

I'd buy one but seems they're prescription only.

Thanks

Thanks guys.

Hopefully that'll be the last thing I need from my GP for a while

sleepster said:

I've never used a glucagon (or had one used on me) but I do always have one in the fridge, so definitely ask for one.
It's useful to have something sugary next to your bed for night time hypos so you don't have to get out of bed, I don't know about you but in the middle of the night I tend to get a bit carried away treating my hypo if let loose in the kitchen, so jelly babies on my bedside table stop that and also stop me falling down the stairs when I'm half asleep and hypo

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Thanks.. yeah I normally do but tbh this is the first time it's happened to me. I had ran out of jelly babies by having one or two here and there over the last couple of months!

Ended up finding the only sugary thing I could - chocolate followed up by a bag of crisps for the carbs. Didn't fancy either but did the trick. Unusually, wasn't particularly hungry (usually am when I wake in the middle of the night) so didn't enjoy either particularly.

Will ask doc for one next week, think it makes sense to have one to hand and hope it is never needed. Better that than not have one and it become needed.

sleepster said:

I try not to buy from Amazon if I can help it, but I get 3kg bags of jelly babies from there just to make sure I don't run out I think they work out a bit cheaper than the small bags from the supermarket and I put them into smaller bags/jars/tubs and have them in various places. Obviously they last a while and it means I don't have to keep remembering to buy them when I do the shopping
Edited to add link https://www.amazon.co.uk/Barratt-Jelly-Babies-3-Kg/dp/B006DYSLN0

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Thanks that's really helpful and a good idea. Will order that!

Will have to be careful though as I really like jelly babies and they could be gone quickly

Update - all sorted. Doctor is really good to talk with - happy to issue me with an injection and some gels. Can't fault the support they've given me - and for that matter - you lot on this site. Much appreciated!

TashT1 said:

This is a reminder I really should get some gels & maybe an injection too. Fortunately *touch wood* night time hypos don’t happen & I’ve only been in the 2s once.

Good to see your managing well Carl.

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Thanks! Good to see you around

Yeah get 'em! It's peace of mind if nothing else...