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Low lows

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NatashaC

New Member
Relationship to Diabetes
Type 1
Hi

I have been having a number of very low lows (ie 2-2.5) recently which is worrying! And often find it difficult to raise my BGs.

For instance on Monday I tested as I/my stomach was feeling odd and was at 2.9. Had aprox 15g glucose gel and tested 15 mins later and was 2.7 and so ate some Dextrose sweets. Still not feeling any better tested 15 mins later and was 2.3. Finished the packet of Dextrose sweets (45g in total) and tested again relieved to have got back up to 2.7! About an hour after the first test I was 3.1. And an hour after that was 5.1 - Which given the amount of glucose (60 odd g) seems very low.

My husband thinks it was because I went to the gym - I'm not convinced by this as it is something I do fairly often and when there really wasn't very energetic! I have also lost a (very) little bit of weight.

These low lows have been more common over the past 3 months that I have been on the pump, on speaking to my DSN have cut the basal rate...

But am also wondering if maybe I am starting the menopause, as I have been experiencing some symptoms but not extreme!
I am about the right age. Does anyone have any experience of whether this can have an impact on hypos and make one more insulin sensitive.

Thanks - sorry this is so long :confused:
Natasha

T1 dxd 2001, pumping since June 2013 and HbA1c on Tues 7.8 (vs 8.6 pre-pump 🙂 )
 
Can't answer about the menopause Natasha, but I think a lot of people do experience sudden shifts in their basal needs, and it can be seasonal for some. Hopefully the changes to your basal will solve the problem and others more qualified will be able to answer your question about the menopause!
 
Hiya. It may well be hormonal. I have low days the day after I ovulate and the day after I come on. I use a temp basal if I remember otherwise its chocolate day (to prevent the lows boot treat them)
 
Menopause never affected my BG, neither did periods, but I know they do a lot of people.

Why not reduce you bolus for the meal before you go to then gym, and also your basal for a few hours prior, during and after?

Exercise can and does (when it does LOL) affect your BG for up to 48 hours after!
 
Perhaps do some basal testing and see whats going on.
I always found if hypo takes a lot of glucose then check the basal 🙂
Weight loss will also reduce your insulin needs 🙂
 
Thanks for these responses.

I think I must have been lucky initially as switching to the pump seemed so easy.
But this past week has been slightly scary as I am hypoing a lot!
So I do think something has changed - may be weight loss 🙂
And I haven't yet been back to the gym so is unlikely to be that!
 
Last edited:
NatashaC said:
Thanks for these responses

Sue - What do you mean by basal testing?

I think I must have been lucky initially as switching to the pump seemed so easy.
But this past week has been slightly scary as I am hypoing a lot!
So I do think something has changed - may be weight loss 🙂
And I haven't yet been back to the gym so is unlikely to be that!
Click to expand...

😱 you haven't done any basal testing? How ever did you set up your basal pattern and amounts :confused:

Pop into the pump forum and at the top of the page you will find a guide how to basal test.
Also do please invest in the book pumping insulin by John Walsh (Amazon) It's known as the pumpers Bible and worth it's weight in gold.
 
LOL Sue, I've been putting off doing a full 24-hr basal test, but am doing the miss lunch/afternoon one right now. Brekkie was late today so didn't start test till 2pm when I was 10.8. At 3pm I was 13.7 and if I'm still going up fairly shortly I shall just abandon it as I already feel really sick!

Oh the joys of basal testing, tra la la!
 
When we set up the pump we (my DSN & I) spread 66% of the Lantus I was taking over 24 hours and it seemed to work well. Many fewer highs and lows than before and much more stable BG readings. Often between 6-7 all day, for several days in a row! It was amazing. And I could even identify why my BGs went higher or lower.
But that does seem to have changed recently and the lows are much lower than anything I've had before whilst remaining conscious.

I will get the book next week 🙂, thanks for the recommendation, Seems essential!
 
You still need to do the 24 hour test, the book definitely says you do anyway so there ain't another way. it is a bit of a nuisance and I abandoned mine and did a correction at 4pm when I was 16.00.

Just done it again and I'm down to 12.7 ....... 🙄
 
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