Lowest blood sugar readings ever....

[chaosmongers]

Apologies for asking questions only after first joining, but I'm looking for a bit of info/reassurance!

I have T2 diabetes, diagnosed a couple of years ago. It's not very well controlled unfortunately.

I'm currently taking 4 x 500mg Metformin + 1 x Sitagliptin (Januvia),
but still getting average readings around 10.5 mmol.

In the past month, I've also had 1x Gliclazide added by the doctor, as a last chance before insulin, and have had some of the lowest readings ever - 3.9 to 5.5 at some times of the day - which has never happened before. Previous lows have never been below around 7 or 8.

Could I ask... is this normal? If it is, all well and good, but I've also put on about 5 pounds in weight after taking it, after been a stable weight for years.



Also, I have another query....

Last year I had my annual retinopathy test, which revealed background retinopathy. This year, I've had the test done and it's came back clear, with no retinopathy!


I'm very confused - the doctor's surgery haven't been much help in explaining it either!

Any ideas why this could have happened? I was under the impression that this was a progressive disease that couldn't get better.

 

[Flutterby]

Hi there - no problem with asking questions straight away it keeps our old (i'm speaking for myself!!) brains ticking over!

I'm type one so not the best person for the first question however I would say that if it's 3.9 at times then that's a bit too low for comfort and it would be good to seek further advice on that one. I expect someone else will be along soon to offer better info.

Background retinopathy can put itself right if your control improves gradually over time. Most of us are told we have background retinopathy at sometime of our lives with diabetes but it can repair itself - I'm sure I'm right about this but again others will either agree or disagree - I just wanted to answer you as best I could as it might be a bit quiet on here at the moment - Sunday lunch and all that!! Anyway, I'm sorry not to be much help but well done on getting the good result, that's very encouraging for you.

 

[chaosmongers]

thanks - feeling a bit happier now!

 

[AJLang]

Hi again I'm type 1 but we were told on our DAFNE course that a non-diabetic could go as low as 3.5 with no problems. Definitely 4-5.5 sounds perfect so in my non medical opinion it seems that you are doing extremely well with your levels. This improvement is probably what has caused your background retinopathy to disappear. Well done🙂

 

[Northerner]

Hi, welcome to the forum 🙂 Yes, as others have said, background retinopathy can resolve itself if control is improved, so good news! Also, whilst you are just hovering on the low end at times, I would say that the control you have achieved with the addition of the new meds is great 🙂 However, you should also be aware if you drive you need to make sure your levels are above 5 before setting out and you should also carry fast acting sugar with you in case you drop lower - jelly babies, dextrose tablets, non-diet coke/pop etc. About 15 g should bring your levels up again, be careful not to overtreat.

Also, gliclizide works by stimulating your pancreas to produce more insulin, which is how it has lowered your levels. However, more insulin can mean weight gain so you still need to keep an eye on your diet and do not overload it with carbs, plus regular daily exercise will really help 🙂

 

[Mark T]

Welcome to the forums chaosmongers 🙂

 

[Steff]

Choasmongers hi and a warm welcome to the forum.

 

[chaosmongers]

thanks everyone.