Help! Newbie Hypo without medication (libre sensor)

[Aristotle_T]

Hello, I was diagnosed of having diabetes on 22nd of December 2021 as in previous weeks I have been peeing more frequently and thirsty. On checking my blood glucose it was 32mml though I just finished having a high carb food before going to the GP. I was referred to the A&E department immediately. I proceeded there and my blood sample was taken for antibodies test while my blood glucose was also checked which show 15mml. I was given a dose of drug to use that night while I was booked for an appointment with a doctor the following day. Before going to the appointment I had some weetabix(2) with skimmed milk while my blood glucose was also checked which was 22mml. The doctor said I would be treated as a T1 patient as my blood glucose is to high and pending the time my antibodies result would be out.

I was given sure pro duo testing kits and prescribe levemir 10-12 units twice a day and novorapid 3-4 units when ever I consumed a carb food.

Luckily I found this website the same day I was diagnosed and I cut out carbs and my number dropped from the high teens to single number within 7 days, for the past weeks I haven’t passed 8.5mml after eating. My FBG is using 4.8-5.7mml.

I stopped taking insulin on the 1st January 2022 based on my conviction since my blood glucose aren’t that high any more and to avoid any unwarranted hypo.

Currently I just got the libre sensor today(self funded) while I am recieving hypo signal(3.4mml)while my finger prick says 5.4mml I am confused I don’t what to do as I don’t want to increase glucose level based on false alarm. Who has experienced this before?

 

[Kaylz]

Libre is measuring a different thing to finger pricks so you always go by the finger prick, have you spoken to your team about stopping your insulin? Just because your blood sugar isn't high isn't a reason to completely remove insulin, also if you are Type 1 it could be a mix of honeymooning and lower carbs and insulin will need reintroduced at some point

 

[ianf0ster]

No personal experience of this, just a little knowledge from reading this and other diabetes forums.
A Libre needs a certain amount of calibrating they also (even when calibrated) can show extra low numbers when BG is low ( safer this way than estimating too high).
Also the finger-prick BG meters only have a certain accuracy and so may be a little out.
At a reading of 5.4 it won't harm to eat a spoonful of jam , or honey or 1 jellybaby if you wish, just to be on the safe side until you can get the Libre calibrated.

 

[ianf0ster]

In most people a Hypo is very unlikely unless they have either taken insulin or some other glucose lowering drug, or have reactive hypoglycemia which means their Blood Glucose overshoots both to the high and to the low sides of normal.
Usually a person feel really ill/weak/shaky/confused when suffering a hypo - it's called hypo awareness.

 

[Aristotle_T]

Libre is measuring a different thing to finger pricks so you always go by the finger prick, have you spoken to your team about stopping your insulin? Just because your blood sugar isn't high isn't a reason to completely remove insulin, also if you are Type 1 it could be a mix of honeymooning and lower carbs and insulin will need reintroduced at some point

I don’t think it would be a good idea to keep using the insulin when my numbers are within the target range? The DN told me it seems I have T2 but we need to wait for the antibodies test to be sure.
I am keeping a steady eyes on my glucose level so when I see any changes in usual thread I would revert. My antibodies result isn’t out yet so I am still in the dark.

 

[Aristotle_T]

In most people a Hypo is very unlikely unless they have either taken insulin or some other glucose lowering drug, or have reactive hypoglycemia which means their Blood Glucose overshoots both to the high and to the low sides of normal.
Usually a person feel really ill/weak/shaky/confused when suffering a hypo - it's called hypo awareness.

Okay I was just afraid of the constant warning.

 

[Inka]

I don’t think it would be a good idea to keep using the insulin when my numbers are within the target range? The DN told me it seems I have T2 but we need to wait for the antibodies test to be sure.
I am keeping a steady eyes on my glucose level so when I see any changes in usual thread I would revert. My antibodies result isn’t out yet so I am still in the dark.

Well, your insulin needs will reduce because you’re eating less carbs but I’d wait for the antibodies test before thinking you have Type 2. I have Type 1 but in the early days I experimented with missing insulin injections and got results as low as 3.8 even with eating carbs. However, that was just due to erratic insulin production from my own beta cells. It wasn’t a sign I was Type 2.

If you’re Type 1, then early introduction of insulin will preserve your remaining beta cells for longer and that’s a good thing. I urge you to speak to your team if you haven’t already. You’re potentially risking DKA and won’t be helping your remaining beta cells.

 

[Drummer]

The whole thing hinges on your diagnosis - as a type 2 you'd be fine without insulin and seeing a 'low' of 5.4 is normal, really, if the low carb diet has had the desired effect.
If the tests show you are a type 1, that is the presence of antibodies and insulin production and anything else which can be done to throw light on your situation, then perhaps you are seeing the last of your insulin production and continued testing should show how things progress. In this situation I have read that things can alter very abruptly, so you really need to monitor carefully.
When you do not need insulin it would be unwise to stick to a rigid routine of injections, and if you do need it, you need it there and then, and in the right amounts to do the job.
Do keep your HCPs up to speed on how you are managing and take advice on what could be going on.

 

[richardmillar11]

Hi and welcome. I am also newly diagnosed. I would definitely speak to the diabetic team immediately so the can regulate your insulin requirements. Like you my bs levels dropped very quickly only mine was with diet alone. I am currently awaiting a definitive diagnosis of which type.