It's me again - how low is too low?

[Kubilee]

When I found out I had Diabetes on May 11th of this year, I was told they wanted my meter to read between 80-100, ok got that and it's pretty close to that most days, as high as about 105ish at the most.

BUT, they didn't tell me what happens if it goes too low or how low is too low and to be honest, I have been so concerned with getting it down, that until tonight, I didn't give the first thought to this part or question.

I have had a blasting headache all day and I thought I might be having problems with my BS, so I tested it thinking it might be high and that was the reason for this headache because I had so many headaches before I was diagnosed and once diagnosed, the Dr said that could have been partially why the headaches. To my surprise, it was only 71.

Now I know 71 is in no way in danger, but I thought I best be fiding out how low is too low and what to do should it get too low on me. And what symptoms I should look for if it does go too low?

I know, I know, more questions from the cheap seats. lol :eek:

[catgalla]

Hi Kubilee....Well some of the signs are anxiety, cold sweats, shaking, weakness. 71 is not too low but if that were me I would have had a small snack or piece of candy. Anything below 70 is too low. Hope this helps...:D

[Penny]

At 70, I start feeling like I am going to go low....usually a little light headed. Anything under 60, and I am really sick. Lately, I feel like I have to throw up, and become really weak and dizzy, I also have a headache. Sometimes I feel low when I drop quickly....like from 120 to 70. I carry glucose tablets to use when I am away from home. I can drink a little Pepsi or eat some candy at home to get myself out of a dangerous low (for me 50 or under). But after that I just eat some carbs, I usually use this as an excuse to eat something I generally don't eat, pizza, cookies etc. I think we are all different, some of us need to treat lows a lot sooner, and others can wait until they are lower.

[Kubilee]

Hi Kubilee....Well some of the signs are anxiety, cold sweats, shaking, weakness. 71 is not too low but if that were me I would have had a small snack or piece of candy. Anything below 70 is too low. Hope this helps...:D

This is exactly how I have been feeling since I woke up this morning. I woke up with a headache and my BS was like 102. I took my pill and ate, same as normal. I did everything I usually do, but it wouldn't go away. At 6 tonight, the headache got so bad and I started sweating and feeling dizzy, so I checked it thinking it was going to be thru the roof, but it wasn't, it was 71. I get migraines bad too, but this one isn't like those, it is a weird headache.

My friend who has a Dad that is Type II says I have to keep it balanced or I'll pass out, so it got me a little worried.

These glucose tablets, can I get those at any store or are they something I need to get from a Dr?

WOW.... I haven't had ANY sweets since May 11th, I am not sure my body would even know what to do with it now. lol

[Penny]

The glucose tablets are sold anyplace they sell diabetic supplies.....I got mine at Meijer...10 tablets in a tube for $1.49, then saw them for $1.29 at Walmart. They have big bottles you can buy too, but I dion't use them that often. It usually takes me 3 or 4 to get to a safe level, I chew a couple, wait 15 minutes and test, then eat more if I need them.

[Kubilee]

The glucose tablets are sold anyplace they sell diabetic supplies.....I got mine at Meijer...10 tablets in a tube for $1.49, then saw them for $1.29 at Walmart. They have big bottles you can buy too, but I dion't use them that often. It usually takes me 3 or 4 to get to a safe level, I chew a couple, wait 15 minutes and test, then eat more if I need them.


Ok perfect, thank you. I'll pick some of those up tomorrow just to have them handy. I honestly never even ghave first thought to it going too low, I just have been so focused on getting it lowered to 80-100 like he told me and NO sugar or any of the other list of food they told me about. They just said "NONE of this, not even a piece of hard candy with sugar in it for three months, and come back then to see the Dr".

Maybe I need to give them a lecture on how to DEAL with this and all you guysh ave taught me? LOL

[princesslinda]

I am usually in the high 70's/low 80's before meals. When I reach 70, I do feel a little shaky/clammy/anxious. Usually i'll have a piece of cheese or some nuts if it's not time for a meal. I don't eat sugar to combat a 70, as i'm just on metformin and not likely to really experience a big drop. Perhaps the Actos part of your medicine causes some lows. Generally speaking, metformin will not cause you to have a hypoglycemic episode, though if I go too long without eating or exercise more, my blood sugar will lower, even on the metformin.

I always have a S. Beach cereal bar or a baggie of almonds/walnuts in my purse just in case I feel this way when i'm out running errands and not at home where food is readily accessible.

[shockme]

hi tam!here is the 15 rule-eat or drink 15 gms of carbs,wait 15 mins and re test your bg.repeat as necessary.don't use candy bars-the fat in them will delay the release of glucose.take care,trish