[SVanderkolff]

My doctor recently added 2.5 mg of glyburide to my meds along with 2500 mg of metformin. I am now hitting lows every day. I usuually hit around 2.5 every morning and then climb back to 4.0 . Often my body does this without me having to take anything. I was talking to another diabetic the other day and he said that I was too low and that I shouldn't be doing a daily low. I always thought the lower the better.
Thanks
Steve

[davef]

Steve,

What were you numbers before you added the Glyburide, why was it added? I'm not sure that being low will necessarily do any damage but I think it could lead you to becoming hypo-unaware, as your body will get used to being low and won't give you any warning signs. As for it climbing back to 4 on it's own, to my knowledge that's your liver kicking on to bring you up. I would think that 2.5 is too low (hypo range), I tend to correct once I hit about 3.7. Are you carry some quick-fixes such as juice/glucose tablets. I would think that you would not want to hit a low like that while driving.

[princesslinda]

Sounds like you're definitely going to low. You should try to keep your blood sugars around 3.89 (70) or above. Even non-diabetics shouldn't be at 2.5.

All the cells in our body need glucose for fuel, esp. the brain. When your blood sugar drops as yours has, you are starving your cells. Confusion, change in behavior, drowsiness and even coma can result at very low levels.

The Glyburide you're taking is stimulating your body to produce more insulin, while the metformin helps your body use the insulin you're already making. Many T2s are insulin resistant, meaning we make a lot of it, but can't effectively use it. Not sure what time you're taking the Glyburide, but if you take it at bedtime, it may be that you'll need to take it earlier in the day so as not to be so low while you sleep.

Make sure your doctor is aware of those lows...and make sure you keep some glucose tablets or candy or juice around to have to correct the lows you're having. It could be deadly if one of your lows happened while driving.

[xMenace]

Severe lows can cause brain damage.

Most of us bottom out at some time in the day or night. Nobody is flat. perhaps cutting back on something is needed. Ask your doc.

Calibrate your meter too. They are unreliable at the best of times.

[mzteacher]

if you are taking the 2.5 in one dose you may want to divide it between two doses and see how that goes....i take mine in two doses
susan

[jaye]

I was in the same situation at one time, and I refused to add more carbs to my diet. So, the doctor stopped the glipizide and I haven't had a low since. Always alter the med and not add carbs to the diet.