Going Low

[buzzborne]

I am T1.. but this more concerns my mum. she was recently diagnosed with T2, but is a little confused - and i dont want to give her false information.

Can T2's go hypo?

My mum was told by a Dr - one that I subsequently dont get on with that T2's can never go hypo.. is this true? I thought they could...

[MJB]

Yes, it's possible to go low. Just not as likely a problem for a T2 not using insulin. Strenuous exercise, too much alcohol, too much oral meds can cause lows so just have her be aware of the symptoms, keep some glucose tabs or hard candy on hand for her but don't have her obsess about it.

Hope this helps.

[fizzgig_sh]

I agree with Mike.

I am T2 and after my Glucose Tolerance Test (which spiked me up) I had a hypo 3.5 hours later. I call this a 'bounce'.

Hypo's seem to happen if I do something silly and spike it up, then it bottoms out. Easy fixed though just eat something before it comes down too far.

Cheers

[fizzgig_sh]

I am learning that T1 and T2 are completely different things. It is wise for you to find out more about T2 for you mum. Can she get online herself and learn at her own pace?

[ladytaz]

Yep, we Type 2's sure can! I've had way more than I'd like to count! Usually those who only take Metformin, or maybe even Avandia or Actos too, don't go low, or go low too often, but those who take Glipizide (Glucotrol), Glyburide or any of the Sulfonylurea drugs, the chances are increased as those drugs cause the pancreas make and put out more insulin. Other things can cause a low as well, as Mike (MJB) stated.

[buzzborne]

I'm not sure what meds she is on - its only one pill a day i think and no insulin.
she gets fed up with it as she is constantly up and down atm... normal i know till things level out and she is newly diagnosed. But i was pretty sure that T2's can go hypo and was there once when she took a reading and it was 3.2!! some Dr's huh... lol
it is.

she can prob get online - but then without me or my sister there... she cant really work a computer lol... love her to bits tho! so that is why if she has any questions I thought I would ask my extended family and pass on the info! (as dad and i are T2.. its a bit different)

[EasyType2]

Yes buzz, T2s can very definitely go hypo. Those using insulin may be more prone, but some orals can do it as well.

Your Mom should see an endocrinioligist if she can. GPS are not always the best for D.

[buzzborne]

Your Mom should see an endocrinioligist if she can. GPS are not always the best for D.

up where we are its really either the Dr or nothing... and then an appt at the hospital every 3 months or so I think...
I asked if she was going to see the nurse tht I did when I was up home - but was told no as she is T2 not T1....

[mg_2204]

Can T2's go hypo?

I sure did when I was put on Diamicron. I'd faint!

Now on Metformin I've never had a hypo as such. But I do go low sometimes. It depends what I've eaten and done exercise wise. I shouldn't say 'low' : I should say BG goes down rapidly, let's say from 7.5 mmolL (135 mgdL) to 4.2 mmoL (76 mgdL) in 20 minutes. Needless to say, it sure feels like a hypo to me!!!

[mzizgayle]

I've experienced a couple of hypos, 2 extremely low, and I am on metformin only, I was just put on the slow release version and so far maintaining about 80 or above. usually the amount I eat also plays into this, along with my exercise. If I don't get enough carbs, then I notice low readings couple hours after

[princesslinda]

I think you can notice by all these posts that diabetes affects all of us differently.

I'm T2, on metformin 500 mg 2 times a day. I've had a couple of lows, but only if i've over-exercised without eating...i've never had a low otherwise. I know it is definitely possible for a T2 to have lows.

In the beginning, you'll feel like you're low even if you're really not THAT low...that's because your body has gotten used to being high and even a little bit of a decrease can make you feel symptoms of "hypo."


I'd encourage your mom to eat a sensible diet, watch the carbs and get regular exercise. That should really help her see results.

She's fortunate to have such a caring family.

[rwmetcalf]

I was just put on the slow release version and so far maintaining about 80 or above

Do you notice better control with the slow release? I'm thinking about asking for it, just to try it. I'm also pondering taking the four 500mg metformin pills spaced out over the day instead of two in the morning and two at night. Anybody else tried this?

Thanks,
Roger

[Binne]

Tell your mum yes, TS can get hypo.
I do.

[mzizgayle]

Yes Roger, I am noticing better control of my numbers with the slow release. Took couple days, but I haven't had too bad dawn effect now either. Before on the fast acting if I went to bed under 100, I would have 120 or so for my morning fasting number. The last 3 nights I have gone to bed, purposely to see, at about 89, waking up to about 89 or little lower. I am no longer having the highs and lows I was having with the fast acting.