Why is the lower figure for type 2 diabetics higher than the non diabetic one?

[jpscloud]

I'm wondering if anyone can tell me why the lower number of the range for type 2s is not the same as the lower number for non-diabetics?

I think it's quoted as between 4 and 8 ish for type 2s but think I've seen 3 or 3.5 as the lower number for non-diabetics.

Is it because a type 2 is not expected/unable to get as low as 3? Sorry if this is a dumb question but I can understand the higher figure in the range, just not the lower one

 

[Alison Campbell]

Can you remember where you saw this? This website has the same ranges

https://www.diabetes.co.uk/diabetes_care/blood-sugar-level-ranges.html

 

[Member496333]

I believe it will be a blanket fear of hypoglycaemia, and so they want to encourage patients to maintain a higher minimum. In the case of type 2 this should only apply to those using hypoglycaemics and/or exogenous insulin, but nuances seem like too much effort in my experience. It’s a one size fits all approach

 

[Deleted Account]

Where did you get your numbers from?
The usual numbers (quoted here ) are the same for non-diabetic, type 1 and type 2. Just because people without diabetes may experience BG below 4, doesn’t mean it is a good target.

 

[Member496333]

To be fair I’m sure I’ve read similar, which was why I replied without questioning the numbers. Not sure where I would have read it though...

 

[Boo1979]

Non diabetics BG can temporarily go below 4, as can those of some diabetics, but that doent make it a target level

 

[Alison Campbell]

On the co.uk website it is not a target but a range based on NICE guidelines. I think it can cause worry for members newly diagnosed with pre-d or type 2 who are not on medication because it can seem abnormal.

 

[jpscloud]

Thanks everyone - you got me, I don't know where it was but I did see non diabetic range as starting at 3 or 3.5 before meals somewhere.

Thanks so much for the answers.

 

[Oldvatr]

WEBMD has a lower limit of 60 mg.dl (USA) which they say normal people can measure when fasting.

Diabetesdaily,con has the range 3.8 - 5.5 mmol/l as 'Normal ( i.e 70 - 100 mg.dl)

Edit to add: The ADA has 3,9 - 7.2 mmol/L for non diabetics (according to Wikkipdia)

 

[Lamont D]

I'm non diabetic and my endocrinologist said my normal range is between 3.5-6mmols for me. And he said most people go through phases of abnormal blood glucose levels depending on their age and diet.
I can happily feel really good on any readings around just under 4!
We are all different and hypo symptoms can start above normal levels and some can go quite low before getting any symptoms.
If you eat to your balance of foods, you body will respond by being healthier.

 

[jpscloud]

Thanks for all the replies - I feel fine around 4, but haven't managed to get any lower so far. I'm working on improving my low carb eating and potion sizes because I have found a large low carb meal pushes my sugars up a bit.

 

[Ponchu]

To be fair I’m sure I’ve read similar, which was why I replied without questioning the numbers. Not sure where I would have read it though...

I have too.

I aim for non diabetic numbers. It’s a great goal.

Interesting that Ken Berry says, “you never want to be above 140” including post meals.

I can only achieve this on sub 20 grams of carbs.