How low is low?

[daisymoo84]

Hi all,

Just a quick question about low BG levels. On quite a few occasions recently I've been getting readings in the 3s. I'm not worried about hypos as I'm type 2 and not on any medication. I'm also aware that readings aren't 100% accurate and can go a little bit eitherway (is it 10%?). I'm just curious what the lowest non diabetics and type 2s not on medication can go?

Thanks 🙂

 

[Northerner]

I believe that non-diabetics can drop to 3.5, although some can drop lower if, for example, they suffer from reactive hypoglycaemia or they are pushing themselves hard (Paula Radcliffe has been known to have hypos). Certainly, a reading in the 3s is something that should be treated, but if not on insulin or sulfonylureas then you are unlikely to drop low enough to need assistance.

 

[daisymoo84]

Thanks Northerner! I'm not too worried as I never feel shakey or anything. Was more curious then anything 🙂

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

Some people tend to have lower BGs I think (like some people tend to have low BP). Presumably your warning signs would kick-in at some point, though if it were me I'd prob treat those levels (conditioned to think that way after all those T1 years!)

 

[Copepod]

Daisymoo - as someone not on any medication for diabetes, for the purposes of hypos, you're more like someone without diabetes than someone on insulin or other blood glucose lowering medication.

So, no need to treat a hypo, as your body won't let you go too low - as I've mentioned, my partner, who doesn't have diabetes, has once had a level of 3.x mmol/l (can't remember the figure - only tested because he was interested), after a very long day on hills, in very cold weather - he came back to camping barn in a bit of a state, collapsed into chair and allowed me to keep handing him sugary tea, noodle soup,, muesli bars etc to correct his low blood glucose levels, low salt levels (obvious from dried salt from sweat on his face) and hypothermia (added clothes until he was warm enough to go into hot shower). As we have since noted - he's never had to do anything like that to treat my hypos!

 

[daisymoo84]

Thanks guys that's really interesting!

I don't test because of any hypo feelings or anything as I always feel fine. It just comes up as part of my normal testing eg I got a 3.6 a couple of days ago 2hrs after eating my strawberries/cherries at work (I work in an office so nothing too taxing though do walk at lunch!). I guess I was mostly curious and wondering if it was possible or if my monitor is playing tricks with me 😉