Low BG level

[Hrw1959]

Hi, I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes on the 19 th sept 2012. My levels were high, 19, at first and my doctor has put me on Gliclazide 160 at breakfast and 80 tea time. The last couple of days I have felt a bit out of sorts, not the same as I have felt when my BG levels have been high, and when I tested by BG before lunch it was 3.6. I had a pounding headache, felt very cold and my heart was pounding, so, I rang my doctors and asked to speak to the diabetic nurse, only to be told they were all at lunch. The receptionist went and asked the nurse for advice and was told that 3.6 was normal, but I had to take some lucozade and retest in an hour. They know that I am wheelchair dependant and have no access to any other rooms in my house apart from the lounge. I did as I was told and retested after 1 1/2 hrs with the result of 5.2. I must have fallen asleep and my Carers woke me up at 4pm when they got ere. I was very shaky and my head was worse than before, my Carer told me I looked really pale and I couldn't concentrate at all. I checked my levels again to find that it had dropped to 3.2, so I rand the surgery again, this time I was able to speak to the nurse. She said that I had to have a yoghurt and a slice of bread and not take my tea time tablet or if I did to only take half and to keep an eye on my BG tonight. If no better in the morning to ring again and speak to a doctor.

I was told by my doctor that below 4 wasn't good. I feel very confused and don't know if I am overreacting. I am worried in case my level goes even lower during tonight.

 

[Grazer]

If you've modified your diet, sensible move, then the Gliclazide is sending you too low for the amount of carbs you're now eating. Good news in a way - it might mean you could control your BGs on diet and metformin alone. Metformin doesn't cause hypos. For now, if you stop the tea time Glic as told, and eat a normal meal, you'll be fine and can discuss options with the nurse tomorrow.

 

[Unbeliever]

Grazer is quite right as usual! The hypos are probably not dangerous but can be very unpleasant nd take some time to recover from..

You obviously don;t need to reduce your medication. Sometimes its also case of taking it t the right ime for you. It sounds as if you are taking too uch in the morning if you have a hypo by lunch..

As Grzer said it is good news becuse you cn probably reduce your medication now If your nurse is helpful she may lredy hve discussed when you hve your main meal etc to fit in your mediction around that. if not you need o suggest that to her.

Hpos are quite disurbing ren't they, especially if you hve previously been running t higher levels. I hope you find the right dose or regime soon.

 

[Hrw1959]

Thanks for your help. I only take Gliclazide tablets as I cannot tolerate Metformin due to my other health issues. I have an appointment with my gp on Friday but will see how I go overnight. What worried me was that the diabetic nurse said that there was no problem with my BG level being 3.3 and yet my diabetic doctor didn't want me to go lower than 4. I feel confused as to who to listen to......