Too many lows

[Jenfy]

Hi all, I have been Type 2 for nearly 10 years now, stable bg for 8 of those. In the last few weeks my bg has been dropping twice a day to around 4 when it has usually averaged at about 6 to 7. My diet has not changed or my exercise levels, any ideas what could be happening? I will consult mydiabetes nurse of course but would value opinions on why this has started happening please x

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

Hello @Jenfy

Welcome to the forum

Do you take medication to help you self management?

Have you lost weight?

 

[rebrascora]

Hi and welcome

I would not be overly concerned about dropping to 4 occasionally as I am sure non diabetics' BG levels fluctuate that low and perhaps even lower occasionally. That said, you don't mention whether you are on any medication, and if so what? If you are using something like Gliclazide then it might be worth discussing a dose reduction with your DN.

 

[Jenfy]

Hello @Jenfy

Welcome to the forum

Do you take medication to help you self management?

Have you lost weight?

I take 40mg Alogliptin and 2000mg Metformin each day

 

[Jenfy]

Also my weight has been steady since I was diagnosed.

 

[Jenfy]

Hi and welcome

I would not be overly concerned about dropping to 4 occasionally as I am sure non diabetics' BG levels fluctuate that low and perhaps even lower occasionally. That said, you don't mention whether you are on any medication, and if so what? If you are using something like Gliclazide then it might be worth discussing a dose reduction with your DN.

Thanks, but I get all the symptoms of a hypo if it drops below 4.6, but of course I will see DN as soon as its safe to go. I am elderly and have rare chronic lung condition and one kidney so being a bit cautious right now!

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

I take 40mg Alogliptin and 2000mg Metformin each day

As far as I understand it the ‘gliptins’ are DPP-4 inhibitors

DPP-4 inhibitors (gliptins)

DDP-4 inhibitors are a type of medication you might need to take if you have type 2 diabetes. They are also known as gliptins.

www.diabetes.org.uk

by inhibiting DPP-4 they prompt the body to release more insulin than it naturally would.

I would speak to your nurse or GP to ask whether you should reduce or adjust your medication.

it should be possible to arrange a telephone appointment so. You don’t have to go in the surgery.

 

[rebrascora]

I am sure the surgery will be welcoming telephone or online referrals from patients rather than face to face appointments at the moment and it sounds like that would be more beneficial to you too. Not sure if your surgery is signed up to the "Ask my GP" service but it really is a great facility if they have it. You can sit in the comfort of your own home and compose an email of your symptoms and concerns and the GP or nurse responds by email and if they feel they need to see you, they make an appointment for you.
I think it is important to discuss the matter with your health care professionals sooner rather than later with the medication you are taking, especially if you are feeling wobbly with the low readings.

 

[Jenfy]

As far as I understand it the ‘gliptins’ are DPP-4 inhibitors

DPP-4 inhibitors (gliptins)

DDP-4 inhibitors are a type of medication you might need to take if you have type 2 diabetes. They are also known as gliptins.

www.diabetes.org.uk

by inhibiting DPP-4 they prompt the body to release more insulin than it naturally would.

I would speak to your nurse or GP to ask whether you should reduce or adjust your medication.

it should be possible to arrange a telephone appointment so. You don’t have to go in the surgery.

Thank you

 

[Jenfy]

I am sure the surgery will be welcoming telephone or online referrals from patients rather than face to face appointments at the moment and it sounds like that would be more beneficial to you too. Not sure if your surgery is signed up to the "Ask my GP" service but it really is a great facility if they have it. You can sit in the comfort of your own home and compose an email of your symptoms and concerns and the GP or nurse responds by email and if they feel they need to see you, they make an appointment for you.
I think it is important to discuss the matter with your health care professionals sooner rather than later with the medication you are taking, especially if you are feeling wobbly with the low readings.

Thank you