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Low reading

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witsum

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Hi
Just needed some advice if anyone can help-As stated before I have been put on Metformin SR 2x500mg daily for preventative measures (not yet Type 2). I have been testing over the past 3 weeks and readings averaging out at 6.4. The highest being 9.2 2 hours after an evening mail followed the next morning of 8.4.
This morning my fasting reading was 5.8-I didn't test after 2 hours as have been having same breakfast and readings have been consistent between 5-6
I happened to just test before lunch, so 4 hours since breakfast reading and it was 1.8.
Should I be worried at that low reading or is it probably because I hadn't eaten for 4 hours.(I've eaten now!) I feel a bit light headed but hopefully that will pass once food gets digested!
Originally I was planning to go to gym after an hour of lunch-should I leave it for today and when should I test again.
PS I know it's important to eat a little and often but have previously gone 3- 4 hours and never had such a low reading.
 
test your BG now as you say you are still feeling ligh headed if it still below 4 drink something sweet like lucozade readings below 4 are a hypo and can be serious. you need to make an appointment with your GP as they might need to reduce the dose of metformin you are taking.
also I would not go to the gymn today If I were you since you have already had a hypo and excercise could trigger another.
if you cant your BG above 4 then phone nhs direct or go to the hospital.
 
also sorry meant to say also that you should get tested again for diabetes I pressume you were told that you had impaired glucose or impaired fasting glycaemia or maybe both, as you said you are taking metformin as a preventative measure but getting a fasting reading of 8.4 is quite high and you should also discuss that with your doctor maybe have another fasting test carried out bt preferably a glucose tolerance test
 
Hi Louise
Just tested and now 7.7-this after eating hot cross buns and mug of tea when I had that low reading.
I must admit I'm still concerned that I'm taking Metformin when not yet diabetic and it seems as if my readings are all over the place.
Last year when I was diagnosed as pre diabetic (Impaired glucose of 8.2) my readings were between 5-6 then I had repeat GTT in August and no longer IGT and back in 'normal' reading of 6.1 so since November I haven't been testing.
I have been back and forward between GP and endo debate (see previous posts) and finally made decision to start the Metformin on March 13th and readings are erratic so I wonder whether the Metformin may be too strong!
Just wish I had been testing in that interim period now because as you say I might have tipped over into actually being Type 2!!
 
im glad your bg is now in the 7 range as was worried when you said it was so low.
But I still definatly think that need to go back your gp and discuss your dosage of metformin, my sister is pre-diabetic and she takes metformin but just one tablet per day this is a prevenative measure and it seems to stabilised her bg which is nearly at normal levels now, that said everyone is different and you have to work what is best for you.
I was diagnosed with pre-diabetes in may last year. I had another GTT in feb this year and it was still showing pre-diabetes however I went to my gp a few weeks ago and he decided to retest me even though it had only been a few weeks and I have since been diagnosed type2 sometimes the transistion between pre-diabetes and diabetes can be very quick.
keep us informed and let us know how you get on just make sure to see your GP. take care
Louise
 
Hi Louise
Thanks for replying again and your concern
I did another reading 2 hours after the 7.7 and it came out at 4-admittedly it had been some 4 hours since I had actually eaten again as I went and had a lie down but I thought the slow release MF I'm on works steadily throughout the day so don't know why the fluctuations!
I did ring the diabetes clinic and spoke to a nurse and she said the Metformin doesn't cause hypos? and that it might be that it s my meter giving false readings-(my meter was replaced on the 1st April so that might be a possibility) but the fact that I felt woosy would seem to me to indicate low BS levels.
I am going to test again 2 hours after my evening meal and see what reading is in the morning and speak to my GP to discuss possible repeat blood tests, mind, he told me I didn't need to test so don't know what his response will be!!
 
Hi ya, do you have the little bottle of solution to do a check on the tester you are using? Nurses do tend to blame odd BG levels on not washing your hands and faulty meters and in some cases, it can be true :)
 
Hi
I don't have the solution to test the meter-where do I get it from?
It is a new meter - was only replaced 10 days ago as my old one packed up. Top marks to Abbott who replaced it free of charge within 3 days of advising of them of problem-they not only sent new meter but the whole system, lancets, strips etc-but no solution lol
 
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