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Hypoglycemic Attack

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northernmonkey82

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Hi All, I'm new to this forum but have just spoken with my Dad and am now a bit worried. He's been diabetic for about 10 years now - Type 2, controlled with 850mg Metformin 3x a day and Insulin (unsure of dosage or regularity)... this has always controlled everything for him absolutely perfectly and he rarely has any problems.

However, in the past week he has had 2 hypo's worse than any he may have previously had. One after a period of no eating, and one half way through a nights sleep. He basically feels faint, sweats loads, goes all shaky etc (I think that is what you would class as a hypo!?)

I'm a bit worried why he has all of a sudden had 2 of these attacks!? He's recently started a new diet plan, and his blood glucose levels have been much more even and within normal limits 99% of the time... could it be that his meds are now too high!? Or could it be something more sinister?

Any suggestions?? Would appreciate any help while we wait for his appt with his nurse... thanks
 
If he is eating better maybe his meds are too high, so they are reducing his blood sugar too much (because it's being raised less by his food). What are his blood sugar levels when he feels faint etc? Maybe test more often just in case, to see if it is going too low.
Maybe he should reduce his insulin while waiting for the appointment just in case, try ringing NHS direct they might be able to help?
 
He tests about 4 times a day at the mo, when he has a hypo they are about 2... he has reduced his insulin a bit and it seems to have helped! Phew! THanks for your help though...
 
This is common in the States where they tend to use aggressive initial treatment, then the patient does a lot better than they were expecting! Ideally he should have been taught how to control his insulin dose according to what he eats, then he could handle the dietary change. Can you get a hold of the nurse by phone and get her to talk him through this?
 
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