Low blood sugar

[Fragilewend]

Hi I've been on Metformin slow release for 12 months Recently had 2 low readings after meals one 4.2 today 3.8 feel very shaky Had some sweet biscuits and sweet tea. I thought you couldn't become hypo on metformin or does anyone thin the dose maybe too high. I'm taking 2 X 500mg with my tea.

 

[asparagusp]

There have been similar experiences discussed here. Do a little search. How much Metformin are you taking?

Another possibility is that you don't eat enough. Obvious I know!

 

[Hiitsme]

I can sometimes get readings that low and I'm not even on Metformin. I think they would be considered in the normal range for non-diabetics. I think normal is about 3.5 to 5.5. Please someone correct me if I'm wrong. It maybe that you are hungry and need some more food. I've had 3.9, 2 hours after eating and was fine.

 

[Daibell]

Hi. It sounds like you are one of those people who can go a bit low. The Metformin may be having a small effect. Just be aware and have something sweet when this happens.

 

[Jay-Marc]

Metformin in normal doses is not considered on its own to be able to lead to hypoglycaemia even if taken by people without diabetes.

 

[Jaylee]

Hi I've been on Metformin slow release for 12 months Recently had 2 low readings after meals one 4.2 today 3.8 feel very shaky Had some sweet biscuits and sweet tea. I thought you couldn't become hypo on metformin or does anyone thin the dose maybe too high. I'm taking 2 X 500mg with my tea.

Hi,

Do you low carb to manage your diabetes too? You should see your doc to review the metformin dose..
My T2 dad. (No longer with us.) amended his diet by cutting out the carbs. Had similar readings/sometimes lower post meal & (in his case.) came off the met altogether..

 

[ally1]

I take 2 x 500mg metformin twice aday.
I have had 2 hypos but I Don, t think it's the metformin

 

[ally1]

Just to say, my 2 low readings were before meals

 

[slipper]

I get very low readings at time and suffer hypos and I am diet only. I think lows can be as much trouble as highs sometimes.

 

[Fragilewend]

Thanks for your replies not been a good day had nose bleed earlier. Blood sugar now 7.2 so maybe I was hungry although had a good breakfast. Will discuss at my review on Thursday.

 

[DavidGrahamJones]

I thought you couldn't become hypo on metformin

In theory, that's what they say. My BG did once go very low after an afternoon's gardening (mowing and lots of shifting stuff) but I guess that could easily have happened without Metformin. I have a friend who isn't diabetic and regularly hypos, a skinny so and so who usually eats constantly and hypos if he doesn't.

 

[AndBreathe]

I'm one of those people who have always (apart from around diagnosis) run low, and it's a very unusual day that I don't have readings in the threes. I feel fine and consider those numbers to be "just how I am".

I will point out that I have never taken any meds for diabetes, so nothing is driving those numbers.

@Fragilewend , if you are having lots of these episodes, and you feel off, it could be worth a discussion with your Doc/Nurse as they may want to consider trimming your meds a little.