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hypo

ally1

Expert
Messages
5,402
Location
suffolk
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
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liver
I could, t sleep last night and got up at 4am. I was, t feeling well, I did test my blood and was average for me. I gradually felt worse, feeling dizzy, and had a bad headache. At 10 am I felt so bad that I rang the surgery, all appointments for today had gone and the receptionist put me through to the diabetic nurse. I explained how I was feeling, while on the phone to me, she got me to do another test and it was 3.1. She was surprised the one at 4am was showing as in the 6,s. She explained that it was a hypo and explained to eat a sandwich. I did as asked. Now my level has risen. Am feeling a lot better. It scared me so much but now know what to expect
 
Horrible and scary like you say especially in the middle of the night it's always that bit more scary - but like you say now you know what to look for - any idea why it happened ally?
 
Blimey Ally, that must have been scary for you. You did exactly the right thing by phoning and speaking to the diabetes nurse, and as you say, you now know what to expect if it happens again. Perhaps a bit of something that takes less time to prepare than a sandwich. I am never likely to have a hypo but from reading what others on here say, they keep some glucose tablets or jelly babies handy.
 
Glad you are feeling better now!

Now you know the symptoms, it is worth remembering them, and testing your blood glucose whenever you feel like that. And if you get a test result that looks odd (like a 6 when you feel it is more like a 3) then do another test to make sure. Sometimes a test strip gives a bad reading, so if in doubt, do another test.
 
Also make sure your hands are clean, your 4am test might well have been lower but the result affected by contaminates on your finger. Any idea what caused the low?
 
glad you're ok @ally1 - yeh they're scary alright. At least you know how they affect you if this is a first for you.

I'm surprised though your nurse didn't ask you to have 15g of quick acting carbs first if you were 3.1 when speaking to her as that is how we are taught here to treat a hypo to get your blood sugar up fast... then eat the sandwich or something once you establish your levels are coming up so that your sugars are kept stable. I know if I ate a sandwich to treat a hypo it wouldn't work quick enough and I'd be in trouble. I keep juice boxes all over the place for my hypo treatment. It depends on what works well for you though... that's my choice because I have throat problems and juice is a better option for me.
 
I had, t thought of jelly babies. I will buy some tomorrow when I go shopping
 
slip said:
Also make sure your hands are clean, your 4am test might well have been lower but the result affected by contaminates on your finger. Any idea what caused the low?
Click to expand...
No idea why it happened
 
Just a thought, Ally1, but I know from other threads you have contributed in that you are stricter low carbing. Might it be time to lower your medication?
 
I should add they tell us here to have 15g of quick acting carbs and wait 15 mins then test. If sugar not coming up, then repeat. I tend to wait 10 mins though as I panic a bit. lol.
 
AtkinsMo said:
Just a thought, Ally1, but I know from other threads you have contributed in that you are stricter low carbing. Might it be time to lower your medication?
Click to expand...
I saw the diabetic nurse yesterday. I am having another blood test in December with the view of coming off the victoza and metformin
 
Mep said:
I should add they tell us here to have 15g of quick acting carbs and wait 15 mins then test. If sugar not coming up, then repeat. I tend to wait 10 mins though as I panic a bit. lol.
Click to expand...
What's the best carbs to eat that are fast acting
 
In view of your hypo I, personally, would ask for an earlier assessment. Low carb + sandwiches + jelly babies becomes high carb. Being over-medicated and having hypos could jeopardise your success. Ask about reducing / halving it maybe?
 
Glucotabs, 4g carbs each, by a tub of 50 for best price per unit, but you can get the tubes of 10 which are handy to keep in your pocket/handbag and can then be refilled from the pot of 50!

Ally don't know what your numbers have been like, but if you're sailing close to the wind now, I'd speak to your GP sooner than that and see about dropping the victoza first and see how you go, testing all along the way.

As for treating a hypo, 10-15g of quick acting carbs first (3 glucotabs) wait 10-15mins and check, as a T1D I'd follow it up with a biscuit or something longer lasting unless I was due a meal within about 30mins or so. T2Ds might not need the follow up if they're not using insulin ? (possibly?)
 
Another thing I had noticed, is that for the past couple of weeks I have had trouble with my eyes, blurred vision. Would this have any bearing that I was heading for a hypo.
 
ally1 said:
What's the best carbs to eat that are fast acting
Click to expand...

Dextrose/glucose tablets are very good and easily available. You can keep a packet by your bed and take another packet with you when you go,out for peace of mind. A few swigs of Lucozade or regular Coke will make you feel better very quickly. Ask your nurse if you would need longer acting carbs after that (I have a digestive biscuit but I'm Type 1)

Hypos are frightening and confusing. Be aware that you can get different hypo signs each time so if you feel at all funny, always test your blood sugar. One sign I find of going low at night is not being able to get to sleep or having strange dreams. So anything like that would make me test.

I second the advice to see your doctor sooner. Hopefully, this won't happen again, and even if it does you know what to look out for and what to do.
 
I have found over the past 3 weeks, my levels have been around 5.3 before meals. A lot lower then normal. Also my fasting levels have been in the 6,s with the occasional 7,s
 
thank you. Where can I buy the glucose tablets from
 
ally1 said:
I have found over the past 3 weeks, my levels have been around 5.3 before meals. A lot lower then normal. Also my fasting levels have been in the 6,s with the occasional 7,s
Click to expand...

Ally, your last HbA1c was up on your previous one, and if I remember rightly your nurse wants you get it lower.
Are you now doing something different with your diet?
 
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