How Low Can You Go?

2131tom

Well-Known Member
Messages
279
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
I've mentioned on here that I've been on the Newcastle Diet since last Tuesday (13th May), I've lost 12lbs and my BG levels have reduced significantly. The question now is, how low should they go?

I've just done 40 mins on the walking machine at 6km/hr, which was enough to make an old(ish) timer like me to break into a good sweat and, according to the machine, (!) burn up 400 kcal.

Anyway, a quick BG test after the exercise gave 3.7. I felt OK and 30 mins later, it's up to 4.1. Last Sunday, however, I was on a brisk walk of around 6 km when, towards the end, I started to feel a bit jittery. I wasn't quite staggering but it wasn't as sure-footed as I should have been. Something was different and as soon as I got home I took a reading, which turned out to be 3.5 - the lowest I'd ever recorded. I had half a slice of bread and jam (well, what the hell, I felt it was good reason to deviate from the diet - and I used to love raspberry jam!) and plenty of water, and 30 mins later my level was up to 5.6.

My levels have dropped over the months, as I've changed my lifestyle, and have then dropped again, markedly, after the diet started on 13th May. My record on mySugr gives the following analysis:

Last 24 hrs 4.7
Last 7 days 5.3
Last 14 days 5.4
May 5.6
April 6.0
March 6.2
Feb 6.2

I appreciate they're not true averages but, as I test at more-or-less the same times each day, I think the figures are representative.

I feel really great, overall, but I'd like to be aware of any low BG issues that I should be watching through all this - has anyone got any comments they'd like to share? I've kept on the 1g Metformon, BTW, as the GP - who's right behind me on the diet - doesn't feel I should come off them, just yet.
 

Totto

Well-Known Member
Messages
2,831
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Diet only
As you are not on insulin I don't think you need to worry about bg getting too low. The body regulates this on its own.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 2 people

AndBreathe

Master
Retired Moderator
Messages
11,344
Type of diabetes
I reversed my Type 2
Treatment type
Diet only
As you are not on insulin I don't think you need to worry about bg getting too low. The body regulates this on its own.
I'd agree. I regularly go to mid 3s and do nothing about it. My liver helps out if I get lower. If I feel a bit low, which is rare, I'll have a cup of tea, and I'm fine.

Curiously, I can feel low and a bit jittery if I drink more than one cup of filter coffee these days. When I test, in those circumstances, I'm usually low 4s, which is extremely usual for me.

Relax, and enjoy the improvement.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 2 people

Andy12345

Expert
Messages
6,342
Type of diabetes
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
Dislikes
Doctors
this is great :) well done!

i believe the figure we are not "supposed" to go below is 4.0 but i agree with whats already been said, i often go to 3.0 with zero ill effects and just aim for the lower the better as i am only on met too, i did have a weird focus vision thing the other day, where i couldnt focus through both eyes at the same time and it was at my low time (4pm) but didnt have my meter so couldnt check bg (grrr) but as im fine at 3.0 if it was an effect of bg id love to know what i was, or it wasnt bg, i dunno, so imho keep it up :) when im low i dont even try to bring it up, i just smile inwardly
 

jamesmacc

Well-Known Member
Messages
66
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Insulin
i was 1.6 this morning with mine, had a 2.6 last night asell, think i need to cut a good bit of my basal insulin out
 

dawnmc

Well-Known Member
Messages
2,431
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Non-insulin injectable medication (incretin mimetics)
Great readings. I congratulate you for sticking to the Newcastle. Its hard core but look what you have as a result. Well done.
 

jamesmacc

Well-Known Member
Messages
66
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Insulin
Are you dead? lol

nope, 2 biscuits and a couple swigs of lucozade and im good as new, hate going that low, making an appointment to see my specialist i think im taking to much long acting insulin even though i have reduced it, my bloods seem stable around 5-6 but the minute i do anything to phsical that i didnt count on doing it drops like a stone after a few hours
 

debbiiee

Well-Known Member
Messages
287
nope, 2 biscuits and a couple swigs of lucozade and im good as new, hate going that low, making an appointment to see my specialist i think im taking to much long acting insulin even though i have reduced it, my bloods seem stable around 5-6 but the minute i do anything to phsical that i didnt count on doing it drops like a stone after a few hours
Analog basal insulins are known to cause a gradual drop that most people are unware till they reach 2mmol. Anyhow the risk of major hypoglycemia needing the assistance of others is relatively very low compared to human insulin with analog insulins.

Sent from the Diabetes Forum App
 

Dazza1984

Well-Known Member
Messages
134
Type of diabetes
LADA
Treatment type
Insulin
Lowest I ever got was 1.4!!
I woke up in the low 4's, injected my M3 and had breakfast straight away (same as I have each day and fine). Sat down to read my emails and got a wee bit sweaty then started seeing stars and odd hearing (Totally missed the 3's and 2's and no symptoms until then!). Grabbed monitor and wow! Luckily my bro was here, had my choc, coke and yoghurt. Hour later 6!