Hypo Unaware?

Twisted · #1 (**permalink**) 08-18-2008, 01:52 PM

I had something kinda strange happen to me this past weekend and thought I'd bring it to the experts.

I had a hypo of 51 yesterday and felt absolutely horrible with my usual symptoms (sweating, extreme hunger, shaking, etc.). The problem is that I corrected and then retested 15 minutes later and all was well but I went hypo (54) again an hour or so later and felt nothing. I had no symptoms whatsoever.

I don't have many hypos, but the ones I have had up until yesterday I always felt with no problem. Could I be becoming hypo unaware or do you think it was just a fluke that I felt fine? Does this happen to anyone else? Thanks.

TenderVittleS · #2 (**permalink**) 08-18-2008, 04:58 PM

That's happened to me as well. I think after you eat alot, your stomach is full and your body stops the "low" signals because of all the food. It only happens once in awhile. I wouldn't be that concerned about it.

pdxdennisj · #3 (**permalink**) 08-18-2008, 06:22 PM

I was told by my doc or his nurse that as D progresses that one becomes less aware of hypos (or can become so). This is the reason for passing out before being able to take corrective action. So far I pretty sure I have detected all mine.

xMenace · #4 (**permalink**) 08-18-2008, 08:39 PM

Much of what you feel is due to hormone releases, namely adrenalin. Consider other hormone releases, say from sexual activity. Can you go at it again an hour later? If so, is it the same? Don't expect your awareness to be either.

Twisted · #5 (**permalink**) 08-18-2008, 09:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xMenace

Much of what you feel is due to hormone releases, namely adrenalin. Consider other hormone releases, say from sexual activity. Can you go at it again an hour later? If so, is it the same? Don't expect your awareness to be either.

That makes complete sense. thanks!

lorikeet73 · #6 (**permalink**) 08-18-2008, 10:57 PM

Hi. I live in Australia. Hypo unawareness occurs in people in who have had diabetes for a long time or where you have had a significant hypo in the 24 hours previous. It can be dangerous. It takes 24 hours for the liver to regenerate it's stores of glycogen which is released naturally when the blood sugar falls, in an attempt to raise the blood sugar. If hypo unawareness causes concern for you, run your blood sugars a little high for a week which will enable you to recognise the symptoms next time they occur. I suffer quite badly and have seizures in the workplace from hypo unawareness, which is annoying and embarassing

mell1682 · #7 (**permalink**) 08-18-2008, 11:49 PM

I've noticed that the longer I have diabetes, the more unaware I,too, am of low blood sugars. I used to feel it coming but now it slams me so hard at times I'm scared I'll pass out. It actually pushed me to buy several diabetic bracelets because I can now see why some diabetics with low blood sugars are looked at as being drunk. I catch myself wandering around looking for sugar but can't seem to find it and it's right there in front of my face. I am noticing the more I actively test, the better I am at catching hypos.

Busy Betty · #8 (**permalink**) 08-19-2008, 07:24 PM

I have had a problem with hypo unawareness for a while. I have no symptoms other than feeling I am not thinking clearly. My husband says that he can tell when I am getting low because I talk like my mouth is full of marbles!!!

I was so worried about going low while driving at work that I was letting my BS run from 150 to 200 all day long.

Just this year I got approval from my insurance company to use the CGMS. It has been great! I can actually let my BS run normal during the day without worrying about hypos.
Despite better glucose control, I still don't have many symptoms. But I am glad to have found something that works for me.

lorikeet73 · #9 (**permalink**) 08-19-2008, 10:11 PM

Sometimes testing more often helps, but it is the knowledge of where the level is heading that you need with it. You could be testing and find it is low, but it is heading up or it could be heading even lower (sorry but my levels are metric so low for me is 2.2mmol whereas for you guys, I have no idea what your measurement is!). If it's heading lower, it takes at least 15 minutes for the sugar to hit the blood stream and the body changes to begin. The longer you have diabetes, the more likely you are to have digestive problems which means food takes longer to digest and this can cause problems also.