newbie question. Hypoglycemic???

[gunner]

I was just diagnosed with T2 diabetes last Friday. I really don't think reality has set in yet, but have been doing quite a bit of studying since then. I have been lurking here since then and find that there is a huge amount of infomation here. I understand the hyperglycemic part of this (mb bg was over 550 last Friday), and I understand about the pancreas (sp?) not producing enough insulin.
What I don't understand is the hypoglycemic part. If we don't produce enough insulin how could we ever have our bg drop real low? Is this a case for a T1 person who might use too much synthetic insulin, or might I be prone to this as well?

TIA
Craig

[dpav]

A hypoglycemic reaction can happen to a type 2 if with the medicines you take bring your levels down. Are you taking a medicine to take care of your levels? Or are you on diet and exercise for control only? This actually will make a major difference in how easily you can get lower levels.
Levels can and usually do go down with the tablet meds, and the type of food intake and the exercise you do during the day. So if you take meds for control you might get lower with normal daily activities. Low blood sugars actually happen to normal people as well, that due to exercise and skipping meals.

Emotions also have an affect on the levels as well,
Others on here may give you more detailed reasons. But this is the basics that happen to bring sugar levels down.
Don

[HeatherP]

Hi Craig, and Welcome. I'm sorry to hear you've got diabetes. You're probably overwhelmed right now, but learn as much as you can, and remember that it's not because of anything you did.

I'm a T1 for 13 years, myself, so I don't have exactly the same experiences. Don's advice sounds right to me. You've probably got a ways to go before you start worrying about lows, so just concentrate on getting your sugars more normalized right now (may take a while, so be patient). You should know however, that since your body is probably used to running in the 500's, it's possible to feel "low" even though your b/s isn't below 100. Once your body gets used to lower levels this shouldn't happen, and you'll only have symptoms when you are actually low.

Pleased to meet you,
HeatherP

[mg_2204]

Hello Craig!

I'm T2, diet controlled only. I've had lows on insulin and meds... but I did have a few of them recently and I'm diet controlled only at the moment. Why? I don't really know. Perhaps because I've lost weight, and I'm very careful about what I eat? Pancreas seems to have a mind of its own. But it's quite unusual. Shouldn't happen that often... and doesn't. Unless you exercice like crazy (and even then).

Have you suffered lows yet? Is that why you're asking?

Welcome to the forum by the way!

Marie
:)

[gunner]

I am taking Glucosovance (5/500), but my doctor hasn't oficially started me on any diet (except avoid carbs) or excercise programs. I have been real careful of my diet and have really only eaten protien since Friday.
HeatherP, Last I checked, my bg was 130 and I'm still not feeling quite right, light headed etc. I guess you're right my body needs to readjust to a lower bg. The good news is my vision has cleared up considerably.
You're right about being totally overwhelmed, but I'm using the time to learn as much as I can and that helps although at times emotions do get the best of me.

[gunner]

Marie,

It's not that I think I've suffered any lows, it's just the information that I am trying to digest. I done a lot of reading and I think I understand most of the stuff but the hypoglycemic stuff didn't seem to fit in to what I had read. I guess "fit in" is not really what I mean, but the information that I had didn't seem to explain it.

[mg_2204]

... 130... that's 7.2 for me. Isn't low. Just normal range I should aim for. You are right Craig, you're not used to being so 'low'.

I'm surprised docs (still) prescribe meds but don't give you any diet to follow and... an exercice program. Would perhaps be a good idea to see a dietician Craig?

Take care,

Marie
:)

[mg_2204]

ah ok! Now I understand Craig. Sorry.

Lots to take in, isn't it? Take your time. I know what you're going through...

Marie
:)

[gunner]

I really appreciate all the information, thanks everyone.

[mtim2000]

I am a type 2 and I have experienced a hypo reaction. They're not fun.

Even when I have a low blood sugar reaction, I have learned to eat something with protein rather than something sweet. I know
that protein is slower to convert to glucose, but I have discovered that my body stops producing the low blood sugar reaction or feeling.


Michael