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T2 Bg Reading Of 4 Or Below

MikeyJ

Well-Known Member
Messages
72
Location
Cornwall
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Tablets (oral)
Hi all, as a T2 on Metformin and a Low Carb diet should I see BG testing below 4mmol? I have recently had a reading of 4.1mmol which I know is great and and very pleased about having been in the high teens at diagnosis in March this year (and once a belting 22.9mmol after a substantial Easter Sunday lunch!) but was just wondering if below 4mmol is problematic or even right for a T2 to see? I read that Diabetics shouldn't drive at these levels and also Metformin isn't a drug that lowers BG substantially. My T1 friend considers readings in the 3's to be time to act to avoid her having Hypos. Any thoughts would be much appreciated, thanks
 
You are absolutely fine with those numbers........its only diabetics on insulin or other glucose lowering drugs that are restricted to the "over 5" to drive rule........well done to getting the numbers down
 
A couple of things to consider
- people with diabetes sometimes get BG below 4.0
- our meters are not 100% accurate so a reading of 3.5 may actually be higher than 4.0 due to the meter errors.
 

MikeyJ, provided you aren't on any strong meds, then T2s managed by lifestyle can see numbers under 4. I certainly do, and most days.

Obviously, if you feel concerned, see your health care team, and if you feel unwell, then you could try having something simple like a cup of tea with milk. That's usually enough to just nudge the numbers back into a comfort zone.

For anyone on stronger meds, then the approach would be quite different.
 
Thanks Mod, useful to know, I wasn't feeling unwell just wasn't sure if it was unusual or cause for concern. This is a helpful forum.
p.s. I saw it as a good excuse to have a beer (liquid bread!) but tea is a sensible suggestion
 
MikeyJ said:
Thanks Mod, useful to know, I wasn't feeling unwell just wasn't sure if it was unusual or cause for concern. This is a helpful forum.
p.s. I saw it as a good excuse to have a beer (liquid bread!) but tea is a sensible suggestion
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Alcohol may not have been the best to take ...... when we are low our livers kick in to bring us back up to where our bodies are comfortable. Alcohol stops the liver from doing this!
 
MikeyJ said:
Thanks @Bluetit1802 you're right but sometimes 'man gotta live!'
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@Bluetit1802 has a real point though. If you’re low already and you’re gonna drink booze make sure you eat and keep an eye on your BG and BP. I learned this lesson the hard way and ended up in a bad way and injured. Enjoy your beer though buddy. Well done.
 
Thank you @rhubarb73 sound advice my friend
 
I have been in the late 2's with fasting and exercise, which I did have a concern about. I have since found that doing some weights increases my numbers. For the last 2 days I have been at 3.3 with an extended fast and feel great. The first times I went into the 4's I did have some light headedness.
 
MikeyJ said:
Thanks Mod, useful to know, I wasn't feeling unwell just wasn't sure if it was unusual or cause for concern. This is a helpful forum.
p.s. I saw it as a good excuse to have a beer (liquid bread!) but tea is a sensible suggestion
Click to expand...
Not advisable with Metformin - it is on the leaflet included in the box - your liver is already being restricted in its operation by the drug, adding in alcohol would be somewhat problematic.
 
Resurgam said:
Not advisable with Metformin - it is on the leaflet included in the box - your liver is already being restricted in its operation by the drug, adding in alcohol would be somewhat problematic.
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Thanks @Resurgam kind of you to point that out, checked with DNS and the leaflet when first started taking Metformin and problems can occur with 'excess drinking' rather than the odd social drink or two so doesn't concern me. I appreciate your advice though.
 
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