Hypoglycemia

[jcm]

Hi. I'd really appreciate answer by someone with experience with non-insulin dependent diabetes:

I've learned that diabetes patients may experience hypoglycemia (accompanied by sweating and confusion) due to low blood sugar levels.

Also, from what I've been able to gather I've found that diabetes patients may take glucose tablets to help manage low blood sugar levels when they're on the run and can't grab a quick bite to eat.

(1) Is this generally correct and / or appropriate?
(2) Why glucose and not fructose?
(3) What is the worst case outcome of hypoglycemia in the short run?

Thanks in advance. jcm

[Ashtur]

As a rule, going low is a risk for those on insulin, or those on certain meds (especially the sulfa drugs). Those (like me) who are diet/ex only are no more likely to go low than a "normal" person.

On the other hand, if someone does go low, you can take tablets (or anything else with sugar.. like half a can of soda). However, it's a good idea to check your sugars before you do it. Especially if you are used to being high, a normal reading will fool your body think it's low.

You don't use fructose because it gets into your system more slowly than glucose (and if you are going low, you need to raise your sugar NOW). Likewise, candy bars are bad because the fat slows down sugar absorbtion.

It can be very dangerous. In the short term, passing our has all sorts of risks if you are driving or the like, and extreme hypoglycemia can do brain damage.

[jcm]

thanks. i appreciate your insight.

[Lorna]

For some people violent behaviour can also be a symptom of an extreme low. Just cos I am a nosy bugger, why are you asking? Have you just been diagnosed or what?

[vgray77]

Hi. jcm

I am a Type II on med, diet and exercise dx'ed 11/5/03. I take 500/5 glucovance twice a day. I need to eat around 25 grams of carbs 6 times a day to maintain control. If I miss a meal or snack I will have a low. In the begining if I got below 70 I would start to feel nervous, shakey, start to sweat. After a while I became what they call hypoglycemic unaware. I would have no symtoms. One day I realized something was wrong because I was getting confused. My bs was 39, I had skipped a snack while working on the computer. Since then I started checking my sugar alot more often and never miss a meal.
If you go to low you can go into shock, coma, possible brain damage and death.
I found one thing on line called the rule of 15. If you are low eat 15 grams of carbs (fast acting like soda) wait 15 minutes and check your sugar if you are still low take 15 more grams of carb. Wait 15 minutes and check your sugar if you are still low take 15 more grams of carbs, wait 15 minutes and check your sugar again. If you are still low call 911 you need to be taken to see a doctor. do not try to drive yourself.
That is 15 grams of carbs 3 times with 15 minutes between each. As with everthing relating to diabetes this is just a general guideline, each person may react differently. This has worked for me during several hypoglycemic episodes.

[jcm]

Lorna:

No, I wasn't just diagnosed. I'm asking on the behalf of someone else.

vgray77:

Rule of 15: Thanks for the benchmark...I'll keep that in mind.

[soremom]

jcm, one thing not covered that you asked about being on the go and treating with glucose tablets. If you are low, you should stop what you are doing and treat. Glocose tablets help but you need something to eat or you will go low again.

I had trouble because I didn't treat well enough before I drove, thought I could wait till I got home since I didn't live far. I never made it. Instead I risked my life and more important my sons life. We were found in my car with it off, windows up and middle of July. We were told another 15 min. and we both probably would not have made it, my toddler espescially.

I just wanted to let you know how serious being low can be and how quickly you can go down and sometimes not feel it.

Kim

[Jenny]

jcm,
I am a pre-d who has lows almost on a daily basis. Since starting Actos, they don't happen as often, but if I miss a meal (if it is late) then it goes too low or if I even have one or two alcoholic beverages too.