New to Type 2

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stuartm

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Type 2
Hi Everybody,
I've recently been diagnosed with Diabetes type 2 and started using the glucose monitor, my levels seem to range from 18 mmol - 24 mmol which so far has been the highest reading. I had a dizzy spell over the weekend and the sweat was dripping off me, when checking my level it was 9mmol?
is that normal???
could you please tell me what the danger levels (mmol) are?
also my colleagues would like to know if something happens to me at work what should they do, as I'm new to this I couldn't tell them. my age is 37 and my weight now is just under 14st at 5'10 I'm not gaining any weight as I used to be 16st before I started losing weight due to the diabetes, my number 2toilet trips are very few and far between too, is this normal?
No other strange things have happend other than my eyes going blurry during the day and the odd finger twitching and forgetfulness which i put down to the metformin.
any help would be great 🙂
 
stuartm said:
Hi Everybody,
I've recently been diagnosed with Diabetes type 2 and started using the glucose monitor, my levels seem to range from 18 mmol - 24 mmol which so far has been the highest reading. I had a dizzy spell over the weekend and the sweat was dripping off me, when checking my level it was 9mmol?
is that normal???
could you please tell me what the danger levels (mmol) are?
also my colleagues would like to know if something happens to me at work what should they do, as I'm new to this I couldn't tell them. my age is 37 and my weight now is just under 14st at 5'10 I'm not gaining any weight as I used to be 16st before I started losing weight due to the diabetes, my number 2toilet trips are very few and far between too, is this normal?
No other strange things have happend other than my eyes going blurry during the day and the odd finger twitching and forgetfulness which i put down to the metformin.
any help would be great 🙂
Click to expand...

Hi Stuart,

If your levels dropped from around 18 to 9 mmo/l then you may have experienced a 'false hypo'. This is when your body has become accustomed to high levels of sugar and so, when treatment commences and the levels are reduced, you get some of the symptoms of low blood sugar (a hypo). A true hypo is when your levels drop below 4. A safe range to aim for once things are under control is between 4 and 7 mmol/l - this is what non-diabetic people achieve without effort (if only they knew!). Also, blurry eyes are a consequence of high blood sugar - this will improve as your blood sugar reduces to more normal levels.

Your work colleagues need to know to give you something like sugar/jelly babies/lucazade/non-diet coke etc. if you feel hypo symptoms and, on checking, see that your levels are below 4. You don't need to take any action if levels are higher than 4 - I'm afraid you just have to get through it because you don't want to boost your sugar if it's already higher than 4. Maybe drink water and take a rest until the symptoms have eased.

As for the toilet trips, this may be a consequence of your body getting used to medication and change of diet.

Hope this helps!🙂
 
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Thanks for the Info, i did have a glass of water and layed on the couch for about 10 mins, I could feel my strength returning very slowlly, does this "false hypo's" acure often as my wife and kids were very stressed with the situation and were close to calling an ambulance,what other joyful experiences should i expect ...just so i know not to call 999 if something else happens.
 
Stuart I assume you have accessed the main Diabetes UK website, which has a mine of good information. http://www.diabetes.org.uk/
Doesn't sound like you've been given much advice from any specialist? It would be worth making contact with your local diabetes clinic (you will probably need a referral letter from your GP), normally at your nearest hospital - if they are as good as mine you'll be well advised by them.
Re hypos I always have with me a couple of cans of non diet cokes, a couple of packs of dextrose tablets, a tube of Glucogel and some crisps and oatcakes - as they recommend that once you've taken the sugar boost you eat some carbohydrates asap. If available a sandwich is better. Remind your family/workmates not to give you any solids if your "out of it" as if you don't chew you could choke.
Remember we are just amateurs and your local clinic is the best move.
 
stuartm said:
Thanks for the Info, i did have a glass of water and layed on the couch for about 10 mins, I could feel my strength returning very slowlly, does this "false hypo's" acure often as my wife and kids were very stressed with the situation and were close to calling an ambulance,what other joyful experiences should i expect ...just so i know not to call 999 if something else happens.
Click to expand...

You really should have been told what to expect. I guess this is a difficult time for getting in touch with doctors etc. As your body adapts to the 'new you' you will only experience this at lower levels of blood sugar, although I couldn't say how often this might happen or when it will improve - like a lot of things with diabetes, much depends on the individual. The main thing is to measure your blood sugar when it happens. There's no danger if it's above 4, but if you're feeling 'odd', best to stop what you're doing for a little while till you are feeling better. I found that understanding what was happening helped me to deal with it and it was less of a worry.

Hope it improves quickly for you!
 
Speak to your GP/nurse. The DSN I work with recommends treating false hypos as opposed to doing nothing. The reasoning if you feel hypo it's an awful feeling and better to treat the situation and then concentrate on bringing the overall numbers down. The treatment wouldn't be fast acting carbs but slower acting, like a slice of toast or something. As with all things diabetes you need to find what works for you as there are different appraoches that can be equally successful.
 
I find that I recognise the feeling of a hypo and if I'm soon enough, one or even two digestive biscuits stop things going to the bad hypo stage. This works for me but may not for you.
Your diabetic team should advise you, but we all have different metabolisms and often on several other medications to treat other probs.
What my companion finds worrying is that we live in a village, she doesn't drive and we have no surgery for four days on two occasions in the next eleven days.
 
Hi Stuartm. I too was recently diagnosed T2 and given Metformin. One of the first things I noticed was the loosening effect it had on my bowels!

I understand this is very common, so your "few and far between" toilet trips would seem to be a bit unusual with Metformin. Mind you, I know we all react differently to drugs/foods. I wouldn't say no to fewer trips myself! LoL!
 
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