Hypo

[KTF]

I have recently been diagnosed with type 2, i am on metformin 3 times a day, i am testing bg levels 2 hours after meals. the other day i tested 2 hours after breakfast BG was 3.5 i felt ok but is this a dangerous level or a hypo should i carry a emergency glucose supply, this is the lowest i have been since medication & diet.

 

[KathrynB]

I am type 2, diagnosed 6 years ago. I am on metformin and gliclazide(sp?). I have been told by my dr and diabetes nurse specialist that it is not very likely that someone could hypo on metformin (especially if you have recently eaten), but possible on gliclazide. When I have been as low as 3.5 I have known I was low, as i felt sweaty and panicky, you get to recognise the feeling. If you felt fine I would suggest calibrating your monitor, as it could be a bit out. When I was in hospital recently for something unrelated to diabetes, the nurse panicked when my reading was 4.5, but I knew her meter was wrong. She re-calibrated and I was around 7!

Hope this helps

Kathryn

 

[cugila]

I have recently been diagnosed with type 2, i am on metformin 3 times a day, i am testing bg levels 2 hours after meals. the other day i tested 2 hours after breakfast BG was 3.5 i felt ok but is this a dangerous level or a hypo should i carry a emergency glucose supply, this is the lowest i have been since medication & diet.

Anyone, even a non-Diabetic can hypo. It just means that your blood sugar level is below 4 mmol/l.

The main reason even if you have eaten is usually that your food intake was not enough to cover your medication. So, you probably need to make sure your breakfast is a little more substantial or perhaps higher carbs. :shock:

Metformin typically only lowers your Bg levels by around 1-2 points and that is dependent on what dosage you are on, which appears low ? 1500mg perhaps ?

As aT2 if your Bg level drops to the point you are feeling ill then have some quick acting glucose such as a Coke/sugary drink etc. Then have a small carby snack to stabilise the levels. You should if you do nothing 'liver dump' which will bring your Bg levelks back up to normal. But you might still feel cr*p in the meantime !!