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Shakiness? T2D and Metaformin

CDudley

Active Member
Messages
43
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
Hi there,

Question, can you have sugar lows with T2D? I was diagnosed 4 weeks ago and am now on Metformin 3 times a day and low cholesterol tablets. I've cut down on my carbs, changing to Burgen bread, Porridge, brown rice I've increased my fruit and veg, lowered my dairy intake (no milk in coffee, hardly any cheese at all) and I've stopped the snacks. Also not eat healthy portion sizes. No sugar unless it's in the food already.

However, I started my 3rd Metformin tablet this week and I feel really shaky, clammy, can't think straight, fast heart rate and agitated.

GP said I didnt need the finger prick tests and my urine results came back with 'within normal range'

Does this sound familiar to any one? I'm drinking enough fluids too, water.
 
Is your low cholesterol tablet a statin? They can have side effects of brain fog and memory loss or if you've cut carbs drastically you may be experiencing carb flu which will pass in a week or two. Metformin is a pretty safe drug but shouldn't have a drastic effect on blood glucose levels so wouldn't think it's that but I refused any medication and went for LCHF lifestyle diet instead so don't have first hand experience of the meds. If you've cut carbs you don't need to cut down on cheese and dairy as they will help to keep you feeling full and give you energy. You might want to buy your own meter and then you can test to see if you actually are low when you feel shaky. No way of knowing otherwise.
 
You definitively need a monitor. Cos, how will you know what is going on?

This sounds like a false hypo.
Which means your body is reacting to a rapid drop in blood glucose levels that you are not used to. Just eat something and you should be ok.

However, if you want to gain real control, then low GI might not be enough to get there.
It is the carbs as well as the sugar that has caused you to get high blood glucose levels. Both turn to glucose when eating.
What I would do is go and have a read of the low carb forum. There is some great recipes and ideas.

Keep asking and posting.
 
I had the same issue when I started on Metformin and a low carb (not high fat) diet. There where a few days where I couldn't even hold a pen I was shaking so badly. Horrible fog and couldn't think and a nervous energy that made it difficult to sit at my desk and work. I'd check my sugars and they where between 5 and 6 each time. If I had a half of a protein bar (something with less then 15 carbs so half a bar at 7 or 8) seemed to help to get through to lunch or dinner.

All of this passed in just over a week. Now when my sugars are in the 4 to 5 range I don't feel bad. I actually feel bad when they are in the 7 to 8 range.

But with all that said if you are worried you should see your doctor.
 
Is dairy foods bad for you then ? I notice you have lowered your dairy intake not that I take much milk but do have soya milk in tea....
 
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