Type 2 and hypos

[Leadinglights]

I'm sure I have read on here that it would be unlikely for somebody with Type 2 on no medication to have hypos. So what would be the possible cause for somebody feeling unwell, jittery and faint and having a blood glucose of 3.3mmol/l on their monitor. Is this level OK. Thanks

 

[Paulbreen]

Hi @Leadinglights, 3.3 would be considered a hypo, I think the actual number is 3.9.
Im T1 and quite often I’d be around 3.3 but it feels fine for me but that diabetes for you, it affects different people in different ways. When are you measuring to find the 3.3? And are you taking medicine for something else that’s maybe affecting you. I would give your GP a quick call if it’s happening often.

 

[Nick Cliff]

Hi @Leadinglights. I believe anyone who hasn't eaten can get low blood sugar symptoms such as these before natural processes invoke the release of sugar from storage or the person eats. I have had episodes like this as a non medicated T2 but nothing severe. Have not measured blood sugar levels at such times so don't know if I've gone that low. Which does sound very low to me. Others on the forum may have a more precise answer. Nick.

 

[Leadinglights]

Thank you for your concern and replies but it was not me but somebody on another forum who was experiencing those symptoms and their doctor had said 3.3mmol/l was OK.

 

[Inka]

Remember the blood glucose meters have a margin of error. The 3.3 could be a little higher and within the normal range.

 

[rebrascora]

Reactive Hypoglycaemia can cause people with the condition to suffer hypos after eating carb rich foods because the pancreas is initially slow to respond so the BG goes high and then over reacts and produces too much insulin and the BG comes plummeting down again. It is not uncommon for people with this condition to pass out due to low BG until they modify their diet. It is not a common condition but we have had one or two members of the forum with it. The person you have heard of on Facebook may be suffering this condition. The way to manage it I believe is to eat small low carb meals, little and often.

 

[Leadinglights]

Reactive Hypoglycaemia can cause people with the condition to suffer hypos after eating carb rich foods because the pancreas is initially slow to respond so the BG goes high and then over reacts and produces too much insulin and the BG comes plummeting down again. It is not uncommon for people with this condition to pass out due to low BG until they modify their diet. It is not a common condition but we have had one or two members of the forum with it. The person you have heard of on Facebook may be suffering this condition. The way to manage it I believe is to eat small low carb meals, little and often.

Many thanks, It just seemed rather puzzling.

 

[rebrascora]

There are many things about the human body and the medical conditions it can suffer from which are puzzling!

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

I'm sure I have read on here that it would be unlikely for somebody with Type 2 on no medication to have hypos. So what would be the possible cause for somebody feeling unwell, jittery and faint and having a blood glucose of 3.3mmol/l on their monitor. Is this level OK. Thanks

People without diabetes have worn continuous sensors and have seen dips down into the 3s, with the symptoms you describe. It's not common, but it does happen, and is often accompanied by extreme hunger - essentially the jitteriness is the body's counterregulatory hormone response and the hunger gives you a strong urge to get fed.

Sometimes it happens if a meal is missed and/or extra exertion or activity is undertaken.

A low BG level like that should be treated with 15g of fast acting carbs I would suggest - whether the person has diabetes or not. The unpleasant sensations should subside pretty swiftly.