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Just had a shock

Richard F

Well-Known Member
Messages
298
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Insulin
Hi I've been a type 1 diabetic for the last 37 yrs, usual ups and downs but just given my self a real shock.

I took my dog for his regular walk. I checked my BS before setting off, 11,2 mmol and about 2hrs after insulin and eating.
After about 3/4 hr I check my BS down to 3.8 unusual, but it does happen. I thought nuts, sat down and had 2 x glucogels and followed it up with a finger of Twix.

I gave it 5 mins and BS had dropped., 10mins and it showed 0.9mmol (I felt okay) didn't believe the reading and changed the cartridge in the meter. now 1.2mmol
I'm starting to get a bit panicky ,no mobile and on a quite rural foot path. Took another glucogel, BS now 2.4 so start walking slowly back down to a lane with a couple of houses (still feeling ok though) eventually got to the bottom of the lane (10-15 mins) checked BS and it's 3.9. From here I can get home on the roads in 15mins so walked (gently) home.

Once home I'm still thinking my meter is up the shoot so take another finger prick and use the same sample in my meter + a spare meter one reads 6.5 the other 6.6

Looks like I had a lucky escape, not sure I've ever had BS dropping so quickly for no reason though. Quite a shock.
 
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Eeek I've been there myself, its scary,mayb it was the weather that caused it but saying that mine just does what it wants lol
 
Omg - scary stuff. Just sooo glad you're ok.
 

So pleased it didn't get serious for you and you got home safe and sound, it was a scary moment. Remember to take mobile out and about.

Take care and best wishes

RRB
 
having hypos in uncontrolled surroundings can result in a bit of panic, even for me..........

was good you had meter and glucogel.........

I can also get quite panicky if I feel low and don't have anything near by to bring it back up............so far though, my liver has done its job.......
 
Thanks all. I usually take my mobile even though reception can be a bit patchy.
18 months ago I had a hypo (one I can explain) passed out and woke up in a stream! So I'm pretty careful now, this one shocked me though.
 
Thank goodness you always carry Glucogel with you!! Well done, and carry on doing it! How totally weird. I hope you find an explanation when you look at your stats.
 
LucySW said:
Thank goodness you always carry Glucogel with you!! Well done, and carry on doing it! How totally weird. I hope you find an explanation when you look at your stats.
Click to expand...

Sometimes I can explain and rationalise . Not in this case though. It just reminds me that managing the condition is not an exact science, some times stuff just happens.
 
If you could test your blood sugar, and then walk about with your readings that low I'd be inclined to think your meter wasn't accurate at low readings. Either your body is very good at coping with low levels or your meter is wrong! It could be ok at normal readings but not very good at lower readings so that would explain why the other meter tested the same. The lowest reading I ever had was 1.9 and it was a real struggle to even be able to test myself before I pretty much collapsed into my bed (luckily I was at home) with my heart racing and couldn't get up for another half an hour.
Glad you are ok now.
 


While I was low and testing I thought "this couldn't be right" so took loads of tests from different fingers. 0.9 was the lowest and I didn't understand how I could be functioning.
I tried warming the meter up, swapping the cartridge etc. Once I was home I checked against a spare meter the readings were near as dammit the same. I had 2 x glucogels when I registered 3.8, I can only guess my BS kept dropping and they pulled me through.

I have been pretty much out of it below 2mmol before, but not every time. Much weirdness I think.

I've been type one for 36 yrs. Hypo awareness is more difficult now than it was originally. I think it's as the nervous system suffers.
 
Temperature can affect glucometers. If it was cold out that could have had an effect (but not when you got into the warm at home). I once got a 2.2 reading at work and freaked out, but I could think straight and then realised my bag with the test kit inside had been resting against a radiator .
 
I don't think you were lucky, you were very sensible to take your meter and some fast acting carbs with you. Although, I'd take your mobile next time!
 
Richard F said:
Sometimes I can explain and rationalise . Not in this case though. It just reminds me that managing the condition is not an exact science, some times stuff just happens.
Click to expand...
There must be an explanation though. It must have been either your basal or your bolus not being absorbed properly and suddenly dumping on you. Talk it thro with your consultant? It could have been so serious.

Do you take Lantus? If you do, see Tim2000s's post on the Insulin forum. Or could it be a drastic spoiled injection site issue?

BTW do you eat ketogenic? To be able to function mentally at those ultra low BG levels.

If you narrow down why it happened, you may be able to avoid it happening again. And stay well prepared!
 
Thanks, I do take Lantus, but before bed so 12hrs prior. I don't eat a ketogenic diet, my breakfast (2hrs earlier) and insulin were normal (bowl of fruit and piece of toast) and even my morning walk and BS (a little high deliberately prior to exercise) were all quite usual. So I'm at a loss, I can usually explain or rationalise anomalies but not this time.
I find that the diabetic nurse I see very worthy and pleasant but not really a lot of help.
 


Richard it may well be injection site problems, sometimes the delivery of insulin can be delayed and your insulin will peak much later than normal, I know this as I've had some of the same issues of late.

Just check your injection sites and be extra careful when out and about.
 
I've experienced something similar & came to the conclusion that Noblehead suggests.

Really unnerving, glad it turned out alright for you.
 
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