Hi, as a newbie ( Type 1 for 6 months) I wondered if anyone can advise please... I started a course of penicillin (for an infection) this morning - I have to take one tablet 30 mins before food or on an empty stomach 4 times a day. My waking BS level was 6.8 ( around normal for me) & I took my first tablet; 30 mins later before breakfast I had dropped to 5.4 ( I rarely go below 5.8 - I stay pretty much between 5.8 and 8.0, occasionally 9.0 ). Before lunch I was 5.4 ( I'm normally around 6.5) and two hours after lunch I'd dropped to 4.0 ( and was shaking). One glucose tablet is usually enough to raise me by 2.0 , which it did and I then ate half a kiwi and 30 mins later was 7.8. An hour and a half later I'd dropped to 4.9 , I ate half an apple ( which would usually really spike and push me up by at least 3.0 but I dropped to 3.9). Two glucose tablets took me to 6.3, followed by some raspberries and I was 7.5 before my evening meal. I never drop so low. My lantus ( 10 units at 07.30 daily) and Nova Rapid ( 2 units with an 18 grams of carbs lunch) was the same as usual. I've read that antibiotics can lower blood sugar. Should I eat some carbohydrate before bed ( I don't usually, just a small mug of unsweetened soya milk) and, should I reduce my lantus while I'm taking the penicillin ( it's a 10 day course)? I can't contact my diabetes nurse until Monday. I'm usually really stable ( Hba1C last month was 43; average weekly blood glucose readings on my meter are usually 7.2. I don't go high and I don't go low, so bit worried. Any advise gratefully received! Thank you.
Penicillin causing hypos?
- Thread starter Jane!
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Hi @Jane!
There is a range of drugs associated with either hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia. However, Penicillin is not known to cause this effect.
http://www.diabetesincontrol.com/drugs-that-can-affect-blood-glucose-levels/
That doesn't mean it's not affecting you as we are all different.
At 6 months in, you might still be honeymooning and so your pancreas could be producing insulin every now and then.
There is a range of drugs associated with either hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia. However, Penicillin is not known to cause this effect.
http://www.diabetesincontrol.com/drugs-that-can-affect-blood-glucose-levels/
That doesn't mean it's not affecting you as we are all different.
At 6 months in, you might still be honeymooning and so your pancreas could be producing insulin every now and then.
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This may have no relevance whatsoever as I am T2 not on insulin but do take 80g of glic a day - I have found that whenever I am ill with a cold or an infection my bs do drop into my boots rather than rise, - I know I'm weird right - maybe you are too
Thank you. I dropped to 2.6 after dinner : 4 glucose tabs brought me up to 6.3 , followed by an oat cake to 9.5 then I rocketed to 14! Spoke to the doctor who also said it's unlikely it's the penicillin & more likely to be the infection ( but also suggested I lower my basal tomorrow). Have finally come back down to 9.0 so heading for bed!
LOl,,, yes, am thinking maybe I am!This may have no relevance whatsoever as I am T2 not on insulin but do take 80g of glic a day - I have found that whenever I am ill with a cold or an infection my bs do drop into my boots rather than rise, - I know I'm weird right - maybe you are too
