Hypos and memory loss?

[Emmylou84]

Hi all
Type 1 here, on Fiasp and Lantus insulin’s. I was just wondering if anyone has experienced memory loss/ confusion with very low glucose levels early in the morning?

I have a Freestyle Libre on my arm that I can scan with my phone that gives me a reading of my sugars. I woke up Sunday morning and this morning, totally confused and with short term memory loss. My hgc levels had dipped to almost 1!! And were up and down for about 4 hours, never going much above 3.

Just wondering if anyone else has experienced this?

 

[Inka]

Hi @Emmylou84 Our brains run on glucose, so yes, a bad hypo can cause memory loss, a vacant feeling, poor concentration, etc. Do you have Libre 1 or Libre 2? Can you pinpoint what caused that awful hypo?

I hope you’re feeling ok. I used to find it took me a day to recover from a severe hypo.

 

[Emmylou84]

Hi @Emmylou84 Our brains run on glucose, so yes, a bad hypo can cause memory loss, a vacant feeling, poor concentration, etc. Do you have Libre 1 or Libre 2? Can you pinpoint what caused that awful hypo?

I hope you’re feeling ok. I used to find it took me a day to recover from a severe hypo.

Oh not just me then! Erm I think it’s a Libre 2? No idea what could’ve caused it, I took my insulin as normal before bed and got an early night.
Thanks, they’re horrendous aren’t they

 

[Inka]

If it is a Libre 2, you should be able to set alarms to alert you to lows (and highs). Check the Settings and see if you can, or look at a sensor pack maybe.

Yes, severe hypos are horrible. I haven’t had any for years but I still remember the feeling. Do rest for at least a day, and take it easy over the next couple of days too.

I note you’re on Lantus. Many things could have caused your hypo, of course, but there is such a thing as a ‘Lantus hypo’ where the Lantus releases all at once rather than gradually. Tonight, if it was me, I’d reduce my basal slightly and have a bedtime snack. Better to risk running slightly high for a couple of days than have a repeat hypo like that. I found running a little higher gave my brain a chance to recover and took the pressure off me. Have a ‘safe’ evening meal - ie one you know the carbs of and that works for you too.

 

[mikeyB]

Every hypo that takes you below around 2.5 knocks off a few brain cells. Permanently. You’ve got billions to work at, but it’s a good reason for avoiding low hypos. Furthermore, if my BG heads towards 1, I have in the past had grand mal epileptic fits, which are an interesting experience, but can involve personal injuries. And wet trousers.

I’d agree with @Inka’s advice. That’s a basal insulin hypo, so you need to adjust your Lantus dose, the time of day you inject it, and a small snack at bedtime. Don’t do all at once, wait and see the effect, then carry on doing that if it changes things.

 

[Ivostas66]

I've heard that it can be quite common. Since diagnosis I have noticed that I sometimes forget simple words "pass me the...thingy... the erm...". It tends to coincide with low BG, often when I am dashing around cooking or a little stressed.