Re: How to correct hypos properly (wasWeak Legs)

[Guest guest]

Hi , well first of all congratulations on your success so far.

Re the hypo...65 is considered the official cutoff for hypos so technically

you did have one. However, don't forget about meter variation. If you've

been having consistently high numbers, you might feel a hypo at 63 but

otherwise maybe not. Did you feel any symptoms? Spaciness? Fuzzy thinking?

I get tingling on the roof of my mouth sometimes - but not always.

Anyway, you should always use glucose tabs, not food, to repair a hypo. The

glucose tabs give a consistent result, depending on the kind of tab and your

own metabolism. I always carry some wtih me and have them in various places

around the house too. The kind I use are fruit flavored disks, about an inch

in diameter. One tab raises BG about 20 points. I wouldn't take one at 63,

unless it was right before going to sleep. The problem with eating food to

correct a hypo (or drinking OJ which a lot of doctors still prescribe) is the

rise is inexact and will usually cause you to go too high, thus starting you

on a BG rollercoaster.

Just for future reference, buy some tabs and take one when you're not hypo.

Then wait about 15 minutes and start testing every 5 minutes. When it levels

out so that two readings aren't more than 5 points apart, that's your rise.

It should be complete within 35 minutes. Vicki

In a message dated 01-01-20 05:43:14 EST, you write:

<< bought a couple of years ago. haha.

Also, I had my first low yesterday, I tested when I got home from a day out

in the car and my Bloodsugar was 63, not sure if that is to low or not, but

I

didn't know what to eat to raise it so, had an apple.

Thanks to all of you for the wonderful info you pass on!

hugs

>>

[Guest guest]

Vicki:

Thanks so much, I had another hypo tonight and yes, the one yesterday did

make my thoughts fuzzy, had put gas in my car and was trying to figure out

the mileage. But couldn't figure out how the numbers worked.....Duh!!! I

couldn't believe it.....

yes was a bad time to feel that way, so drove home and took care of

it...thank goodness I live close to everything.

hugs

[Guest guest]

Hi, , not a good idea to drive while hypo. People have been known to

have accidents while in this state. Please buy some of those glucose tabs,

keep 'em in your purse, keep some in the car, keep some around the house. If

you feel hypo, take a test and if you're below 65 take one glucose tab for

each 20 points you're below 65. Wait 15 minutes, test again, take more tabs

if necessary. You don't want to have an accident! (Or be arrested for

erratic driving and possibly get a ticket for driving drunk, which a hypo can

look like to the un-educated).

In a message dated 01-01-20 19:35:06 EST, you write:

<<

Thanks so much, I had another hypo tonight and yes, the one yesterday did

make my thoughts fuzzy, had put gas in my car and was trying to figure out

the mileage. But couldn't figure out how the numbers worked.....Duh!!! I

couldn't believe it.....

yes was a bad time to feel that way, so drove home and took care of

it...thank goodness I live close to everything.

h >>

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 1/20/01 8:45:56 PM Eastern Standard Time, teri@...

writes:

> It's not an exaggeration to say that people have had accidents, been fined,

> been arrested, hurt themselves and/or others, and even gone to jail over

> accidents that happened because of hypo incidents.

>

Teri...........

wow.......I was not aware of this fact at all......

I will call the pharmacy tomorrow and see how soon I can get them and will

get this taken care of as soon as possible. thanks so much for the advice

hugs

[Guest guest]

I'll second this, and strengthen it to a plea. Please, , take this

wonderful advice. It's not an exaggeration to say that people have had

accidents, been fined, been arrested, hurt themselves and/or others, and even

gone to jail over accidents that happened because of hypo incidents.

Teri

Re: How to correct hypos properly (wasWeak Legs)

Hi, , not a good idea to drive while hypo. People have been known to

have accidents while in this state. Please buy some of those glucose tabs, keep

'em in your purse, keep some in the car, keep some around the house. If you

feel hypo, take a test and if you're below 65 take one glucose tab for each 20

points you're below 65. Wait 15 minutes, test again, take more tabs if

necessary. You don't want to have an accident! (Or be arrested for erratic

driving and possibly get a ticket for driving drunk, which a hypo can look like

to the un-educated).

[Guest guest]

,

I was sure you weren't or you wouldn't even consider taking that chance. I'm

just concerned for you and wanted to be sure you understood just how serious it

could be.

big hugs to you,

Teri

Re: How to correct hypos properly (wasWeak Legs)

In a message dated 1/20/01 8:45:56 PM Eastern Standard Time, teri@...

writes:

> It's not an exaggeration to say that people have had accidents, been fined,

> been arrested, hurt themselves and/or others, and even gone to jail over

> accidents that happened because of hypo incidents.

>

Teri...........

wow.......I was not aware of this fact at all......

I will call the pharmacy tomorrow and see how soon I can get them and will

get this taken care of as soon as possible. thanks so much for the advice

hugs

eGroups Sponsor

Get 3 CDs for ONLY $9.99!

Public website for Diabetes International:

http://www.msteri.com/diabetes-info/diabetes_int

Post message: diabetes_integroups

Subscribe: diabetes_int-subscribeegroups

Unsubscribe: diabetes_int-unsubscribeegroups

List owner: diabetes_int-owneregroups

URL: /group/diabetes_int

[Guest guest]

, you really have to be careful about driving when you are having a

hypo. A friend of mine had to go to the doctor fasting one morning for some

tests. She blacked out while going down the drive-way and centered a pine

tree. When she " came to " she managed to stagger to the house and called the

doctor to say she couldn't get there and he had her check her blood sugar.

It was 40. This is the 2nd time she has wrecked her van because of this. I

don't ride with her anymore!

Get those glucose tabs!

Tootie

Re: How to correct hypos properly (wasWeak Legs)

Hi, , not a good idea to drive while hypo. People have been known

to

have accidents while in this state. Please buy some of those glucose

tabs,

keep 'em in your purse, keep some in the car, keep some around the house.

If

you feel hypo, take a test and if you're below 65 take one glucose tab for

each 20 points you're below 65. Wait 15 minutes, test again, take more

tabs

if necessary. You don't want to have an accident! (Or be arrested for

erratic driving and possibly get a ticket for driving drunk, which a hypo

can

look like to the un-educated).

In a message dated 01-01-20 19:35:06 EST, you write:

<<

Thanks so much, I had another hypo tonight and yes, the one yesterday did

make my thoughts fuzzy, had put gas in my car and was trying to figure out

the mileage. But couldn't figure out how the numbers worked.....Duh!!! I

couldn't believe it.....

yes was a bad time to feel that way, so drove home and took care of

it...thank goodness I live close to everything.

h >>

eGroups Sponsor

Choose 3 DVDs for $0.49 each!

Public website for Diabetes International:

http://www.msteri.com/diabetes-info/diabetes_int

Post message: diabetes_integroups

Subscribe: diabetes_int-subscribeegroups

Unsubscribe: diabetes_int-unsubscribeegroups

List owner: diabetes_int-owneregroups

URL: /group/diabetes_int

[Guest guest]

> If you feel hypo, take a test and if you're

> below 65 take one glucose tab for each 20 points

> you're below 65. Wait 15 minutes, test again,

> take more tabs if necessary. You don't want to

> have an accident!

Vicki, I am even more cautious than you. If I waited to see 65 mg/dl,

I wouldn't even have a driving license by now.

And glucose tablets are not the whole answer if I am starting out on

a long drive because the effect wears off very slowly and by the time

I get symptoms I have already made some mistakes.

I wouldn't dream of starting off if I had less than 75 mg/dl and even

80-85 would keep me thinking about it. Where it shows by me is when

the light changes to yellow in front of me. I find myself going over

more late, late yellow lights than I do when my BG is baseline (about

90-95) or higher.

My answer is to eat an apple about 15 minutes before starting out and

always take a few apples along on the trip. I don't even have any

glucose tablets, and won't get any either - unless somebody tells me

where I can get a low-glycemic glucose tablet!

>> Thanks so much, I had another hypo tonight and

>> yes, the one yesterday did make my thoughts fuzzy,

>> had put gas in my car and was trying to figure out

>> the mileage. But couldn't figure out how the numbers

>> worked.....Duh!!! I couldn't believe it.....

>> yes was a bad time to feel that way, so drove home

>> and took care of it...thank goodness I live close

>> to everything.

The idea of anybody driving home to get an urgently required glucose

tablet is alarming to me. I always drive assuming that all other

drivers on the road are psychopaths who have just escaped from

somewhere (no offense meant here, it is just a habit of mine!). Now I

have to assume that they are all on their way home to pick up a

glucose tablet before they pass out! The vast majority of auto

accidents happen within 20 miles of the driver's home! Life is not

getting any easier!

An apple a day not only keeps the doctor away, it could keep the

wrecker away, too!

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 01-01-21 08:58:26 EST, you write:

<<

My answer is to eat an apple about 15 minutes before starting out and

always take a few apples along on the trip. I don't even have any

glucose tablets, and won't get any either - unless somebody tells me

where I can get a low-glycemic glucose tablet!

>>

Well, , this obviously works for you. But Dr. Bernstein specifically

recommends glucose tabs be used (and why) and that's good enough for me! :-)

Vicki

[Guest guest]

Hiya All:

Called the pharmacy today, no answer......we had a blizzard today lots of

wind 50 mph and lots of snow.....and speaking of 50s tonight I had another

hypo of 50.....got real scared.....

So tomorrow will get the tabs for sure! AND will call Dr.

I am all right now.

hugs

[Guest guest]

Tootie:

yes yes yes.........I will, tried to get them today.....if my pharmacy

doesn't have them will have them get them in for me so I dot have to drive 30

miles to get them.

Thanks

hugs

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 01-01-21 22:06:13 EST, you write:

<< nd speaking of 50s tonight I had another

hypo of 50.....got real scared..... >>

, why are you having hypos? Are you taking a sulf? What kind of pills

are you taking? You're not on insulin, are you? I've forgotten -- how long

ago were you diagnosed? Did you have any instruction of any kind? Vicki

[Guest guest]

Hi, ...that's interesting, about your hypos. Glucophage doesn't usually

cause hypos. Eating meals at a regular time may be helpful. Regular

applesauce has probably more carbs than you should be having, tho if you're

having hypos that may not be your problem. The problem with using food to

correct hypo is that it can make you go too high then you can go low on

rebound. This is the famous " rollercoaster " effect.

Did you read earlier posts here about glucose tabs? (I don't remember who

sent it -- may even have been you but I don't think so) -- glucose tabs raise

BG the same each time, generally about 20 points, so if you were at 50 you'd

probably want to take two tabs. Sometime when you're not hypo you need to

take one and test after 15 minutes then again every 5 minutes. When you get

two readings within 5 points of each other you'll know how the glucose tab

works on your own body and have that information. When you're correcting a

hypo, take the necessary tabs, don't eat anything else and wait for about 35

minutes then test again. This is the correct way to fix a hypo and it will

generally fix the problem within five minutes.

Checking a level " right away " after eating won't give you accurate

information. Your BG probably was on its way up but you don't know where

the peak was. Best time to test for accurate answer is one and two hours

after eating. But to correct for a low, do use glucose tabs and test as

above. They'll correct almost immediately.

Glucophage should be taken regularly, not just on an " as needed " basis. Its

effect is cumulative and takes a few weeks to build up. If you're going to

stop taking them, you do it gradually. But I don't think the Glucophage is

your problem. . Vicki

In a message dated 01-01-22 06:36:27 EST, you write:

<<

I was diagnosed, Type II, last Sept and was put on Glucophage......I am now

on 500 mg twice a day. Its that plus diet and exercise.

I don't know why I am having the hypos all of a sudden....except that my

eating patterns have been irregular lately, my depression has been acting

up,

I had to quit my job and so just haven't been eating regularly. Just not

hungry. But today really scared me having two like that tonight: 8 PM : 50,

then I ate some turkey stew and some regular applesauce and took level right

away after and it was 103, then at 11:55 took it again and it was 57. So I

had some cereal and yougurt. Am waiting for a while and will take it again

before bed time. I will call Dr right away in the morning.

I don't think I should have taken my glucophage tonight but thought I had

corrected my problems from yesterday.

Actually today my levels have been 108-72-50-103-57. So I think the Dr

needs

to take me off or at least cut back on glucophage.

Hope that answers some of your questions, I must admit I am really scared

about this.

hugs

>>

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 1/22/01 6:36:18 AM Eastern Standard Time, cariapat@...

writes:

<<

I was diagnosed, Type II, last Sept and was put on Glucophage......I am now

on 500 mg twice a day. Its that plus diet and exercise.

I don't know why I am having the hypos all of a sudden....except that my

eating patterns have been irregular lately, my depression has been acting

up,

I had to quit my job and so just haven't been eating regularly. Just not

hungry. But today really scared me having two like that tonight: 8 PM : 50,

then I ate some turkey stew and some regular applesauce and took level right

away after and it was 103, then at 11:55 took it again and it was 57. >>

Wow, and i was told emphatacially that i could not get hypo's on just

glucophage.

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 1/22/01 9:47:11 AM Eastern Standard Time, whimsy2@...

writes:

> Glucophage should be taken regularly, not just on an " as needed " basis. Its

> effect is cumulative and takes a few weeks to build up. If you're going to

> stop taking them, you do it gradually. But I don't think the Glucophage

is

> your problem. . Vicki

Vicki,

Yes, someone did give me that info on the tabs, but I have printed out what

you have given me again and put on refrig and will test when my levels are

closer to normal.

I have to apologize and say I am slow to get on the train with the rest of

you, I just ordered my Bernstein book today.......

I thought I was on the right track as my blood sugar numbers where coming

down and my Dr was taking me off the glucophage. I know I sound naive, but I

thought I had things under control. But maybe I was overconfident. I see

now how my depression interacts with my diabetes.

Maybe I should consider contacting the Joslin Clinic, they have a satellite

here on the Cape? But I thought I didn't really need them with my controlled

type II.

Does this sound dumb to the rest of you?

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 1/22/01 8:28:31 AM Eastern Standard Time, cprcarol@...

writes:

> I still have to be

> careful about eating regular meals; In Oct, I had to wait until 10 AM for

a

> fasting blood draw a few months ago and tested 51.

Carol:

Obviously, that is my goal, to be able to control with diet and

exercise.....my depression is getting in the way of my eating....by not

eating enough and not regularly which is probably what is causing my

hypos.....I am really scared about this......so am testing a lot til I see my

Dr or talk to her tomorrow.

Yes, I started on 2000 glucophage, then 1500 and now 1000 and she said when

my numbers got into the 90s would reduce to 500.....but the numbers are

plunging down past that.....

I also see I still have so much to learn about my diet.....the nutritionist I

had was not pointing me in the right direction.........she basically had me

modify my existing diet and add two snack times to it......and even my snacks

are high in carbs.....

well I am rambling..

hugs

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 1/22/01 1:53:14 PM Eastern Standard Time,

ottercritter@... writes:

> Don't undergo possibly

> dangerous hypos, just because you haven't had a chance to see your regular

> doctor. I'm hopeful that if you wean carby foods from your diet, you'll be

> able to steer clear of the hypos (which I think are reactive hypoglycemia -

> the " rollercoaster ride " we often discuss).

Susie:

Thanks once again........I have learned in the last 2 days that nearly

everything I am eating is carbos........so I am beside myself as to what I

need to get from the store to change that.......I have been reading labels at

the store and seems everything is full of carbos.....the nutritionist has me

having an apple and yougurt at snack time......toooo many carbos there........

So are what you saying is, that I am having these lows as a reaction to all

the carbos I am eating? I will go to store this afternoon and see what I can

get that is carbo free......have been snacking on broccoli and

cauliflower....but can only eat so much of that.....need something for energy

also....

hugs

ps I am really scared and shaky right now about this.....need to fix this soon

[Guest guest]

> Hypos happen to Type 2's who are not on insulin.

****Hypos happen to Type 2's who are on insulin as well.

Barb

--------

http://www.RainbowFarm.com

Equine photography

http://www.RainbowFarm.com/photos.html

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 01/22/2001 5:08:56 PM Eastern Standard Time,

GayRghts@... writes:

<< Wow, and i was told emphatacially that i could not get hypo's on just

glucophage. >>

Yes, thats usually the case, you don't, but if you don't eat, no matter what

you take or don't take, you go low.

Its probably the erratic eating pattern, rather than the med.

carol

[Guest guest]

wrote:

<< Wow, and i was told emphatacially that i could not get hypo's on just

glucophage. >>

One cup of sweetened applesauce has 51 grams of carbs and a cup of

unsweetened has 28 grams. It sounds like is experiencing reactive

hypoglycemia.

Susie

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 01/22/2001 3:12:25 PM Central Standard Time,

astrocarly@... writes:

<< I'm one of the lucky ones, I get very definite signs before I go too low,

and

also if I'm going to go high as well. >>

I do the same Carol...but my dh was able to point out one sign that comes

before the shakies and the clammies...According to him I get very irritable,

speak harshly and have no patience for anything. He has taken to bringing me

my accucheck machine at that point and sure enough I am heading down a

slippery slope..

ressy

who is very patient

[Guest guest]

wrote:

<< I see now how my depression interacts with my diabetes. Maybe I should

consider contacting the Joslin Clinic, they have a satellite here on the

Cape? But I thought I didn't really need them with my controlled type II.

Does this sound dumb to the rest of you? >>

Depression or any kind of emotional stress often spikes our numbers.

Depression makes it harder to remain calm, and to take good, regular care of

ourselves. And if our numbers climb, it can worsen the depression. Many

newly-diagnosed type 2's report depression, mood swings, and rages, that

lessen as our health outlook improves. Hypos in particular are strongly

associated with depression, whereas hypers are associated with giddiness.

Some of us are diagnosed with bipolar disorder (manic-depressive), but we

find our moods normalizing when our glucose levels settle down.

I don't know that Joslin or anyone else would be necessary for you at this

particular time, . What you do have right now is a perfect opportunity

to use your online time to research and participate in groups to improve

your diabetes knowledge and control as much as possible.

The 800-pound gorilla swats at us every now and then, just to keep us on our

toes. Do remember that diabetes is primarily a self-managed disease. Doctors

are there to order tests and write prescriptions, but it is up to each of us

to self-test and make necessary adjustments. Don't undergo possibly

dangerous hypos, just because you haven't had a chance to see your regular

doctor. I'm hopeful that if you wean carby foods from your diet, you'll be

able to steer clear of the hypos (which I think are reactive hypoglycemia -

the " rollercoaster ride " we often discuss).

Susie

Susie

[Guest guest]

<< Hypos happen to Type 2's who are not on insulin. >>

<< Hypos happen to Type 2's who are on insulin as well. >>

<< From the above, sounds like any diabetic can have hypos. >>

The only diabetics who should be at risk for *severe* hypos are those on

injected insulin (particularly type 1's) and type 2's on sulfonylureas. In

other cases, our livers should be capable of stepping forward and bailing us

out. If we are on Glucophage/Metformin and our livers are not doing their

job, I would ask that person right away how often he/she is having his/her

liver checked. Glucophage puts a strain on the liver. We are supposed to

have a baseline liver check before commencing Glucophage therapy, and then

regularly thereafter. A true severe hypo could be a wake-up call to have

bloodwork performed. But bear in mind that if our numbers have been higher

than optimal, what *feels* like a severe hypo may only be a reading lower

than we are accustomed to. That's where the meter is our friend, giving a

readout of our true hypo status.

Susie

[Guest guest]

> From the above, sounds like any diabetic

> can have hypos. V.

I have read that non-diabetics can get hypos, too. Come on out,

everybody, you all get them!

[Guest guest]

Thornton wrote:

<< I have read that non-diabetics can get hypos, too. Come on out,

everybody, you all get them! >>

We have read that 85 percent of humans have a " gene variant " that makes our

modern diet difficult to manage. We have read that, in studies of *healthy

young* adults, three-fourths of them were already reacting unusually to a

glucose load. We have over the years established arbitrary limits, beyond

which patients are labeled " insulin-resistant " or " diabetic. " Two of my

sisters have not yet been declared diabetic (because they can still pass the

*fasting* glucose test - which is an unreliable indicator of diabetes, but

nonetheless the current standard for diagnosis). However, when they miss a

meal, or following a high-carbohydrate meal, they get headaches and the

shakes.

At a recent family reunion, one of those two said, " The way you talk, it

sounds as if *everybody is diabetic.* " Well ... yes ...

Susie