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Hypo levels

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Matthew James Hardy

Matthew James Hardy

Well-Known Member
Relationship to Diabetes
Type 1
Hi everybody just went to check my blood levels and noticed my levels were at 4.1 this evening and didn’t feel like was having a hypo for instance the other day I didexperience a hypo at 4.7 does this mean my levels are fairly steady at the moment ?
 
We all tend to feel it more when levels are dropping (or indeed rising) quite fast as opposed to a gentle slide up or down.

It does sound like you are levelling out, but I wouldn't really wish to be in the low 4s for very long at all - doesn't give me any leeway , any safety net - if I was about to eat I'd have a tiddly bit less insulin - but with the luxury of a pump I can adjust in tenths of a unit, whereas with pens the least you can decrease or increase is half a unit - so maybe have two extra chips or whatever instead!
 
I agree with Jenny, I feel low BG much more clearly when levels are dropping more rapidly.

In recent years I have treated anything in the 4s as if it were a hypo to try to reduce my time below 4.0 and improve my slightly patchy hypo awareness where I’ve been missing some in the high 3s for a few years.
 
.... and all made easy for us Mike since we both use a 'smart' meter to measure our BG and calculate the appropriate insulin dose! Available from your hospital diabetes clinic - who will help you set it up to suit you individually - for the asking normally.

Google the Accu-Chek Expert meter - there are other candidates too! Then ASK !
 
I just use the Libre info. 4 with a downward arrow means eat. 4 with a level arrow means eat, but no hurry and check in 15 minutes, 4 with an upward arrow, no worry.
 
Like others, I feel more hypo when I drop very quickly. I can have a reading of 2 and still be perfectly coherent and I can have a reading of 4 and feel awful.
 
mikeyB said:
I just use the Libre info. 4 with a downward arrow means eat. 4 with a level arrow means eat, but no hurry and check in 15 minutes, 4 with an upward arrow, no worry.
Click to expand...

That’s a good ready reckoner Mike - very helpful.

Though I have to say I’ve never relaxed much with the level arrow on Libre as it can mean up to 1.8 mmol/L up or down within 30 minutes.
 
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