Lows and Highs
I had a 71 and felt sick as a dog! Horrible, horrible feeling. Cold
and clammy, felt like the world was shifting and I was going to pass
out. Drank half a coke and felt like a new woman in about 5 minutes.
BS went to 110.
Same thing happened with a high. I felt so sick and so weird and took
my BS and it was 281. Highest I’ve ever seen. I really thought I was
going to die. And I didn’t know what to do about it. I walked on my
treadmill for about 10 minutes, drank some water and then went to bed
for a few hours. I woke up feeling much better, BS at 140. (The high
BS was brought on because I thought I could handle 2 Moon Pies.
Obviously NOT! I know, I know…stupid.)
Told a friend about it and she said she runs in the 350’s and never
feels sick.
So…I have to agree…the HIGH and LOW that are tolerable are
different for each person.
August 11th, 2006 at 4:19 pm
your body will eventually adjust to highs. when I was Dx’d in
July, my BS was 590 and my A1C was 11.6% - the only reason I went
in was to find out why I was losing my vision. they immediately
started me on metformin and glyburide and until my sugars
stabalized, I was having symptoms of lows if I went below 300.
Now I usually feel them if I go below 75 (at least until I started
Byetta). tonight I started to feel light headed while walking
around after dinner and pulled out my meter - I was 68 so I had a
tube of glucose gel and felt fine about 20 minutes later. at
least I felt that one coming on but the two other lows I’ve had
since Saturday went unnoticed until I took my 2 hour post-meal
test.
–Michael
August 11th, 2006 at 10:42 pm
I agree. It is all a matter of adjusting. Most of us, when Dxd, are way high.
I was running in the 300’s, so as I started to get the Blood Sugar under control
250 was low and I would feel yucky in comparison. Then 250 was high and 200 was
low and so on. Now, the mornings range from 100 to 147 depending on what time
of night that I eat and what. I find that I do better during the day if I start
out a little higher than if I start out at 100 for example.
As far as the low you had the other day, it will take you some time to balance
everything out. You need to compensate for the exercise you are getting and the
Byetta interaction. Since you mentioned that you keep Apple Juice on hand,
maybe 15 minutes before taking your walk, have a small apple. This way, you get
a treat, you get a little boost of "sugar" and you get a little boost of that
all important fiber. That might help you from having a "low".
Experiment and see what works. I know that I test a lot and I know a lot of
people can’t because their insurance will only pay for so many test strips but
it is the only way to know what is going on with your body that is accurate.
I am not much of a fruit eater and really not much of a candy eater but I
carry a bar of chocolate with me for the times when I feel real low. I figure
that if I do things right, hopefully the lows don’t happen that often, so a
little treat is in order:)
I have found, now that the doc has ramped me up to the 10 dose that a small,
cold, apple in the AM for breakfast sure helps those times I feel sick to my
stomach.
Just what works for me.
Melodie
–Michael
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
August 12th, 2006 at 12:20 am
Michael, the lows that have been talked about are *not* lows. 70 is not
low. Yes, it will cause problems for those who have been around 200 or
better for some time, but it’s not going to put anyone into a diabetic coma.
Anything under 65 is a low. Check it out via Google on respected
diabetic sites such as the endo sites, or the ADA.
Not only those on insulin can have lows of course. Sulfonylureas can
cause lows; some circumstances can cause lows.
For those not used to lows, yes you should start treating "cautiously"
when you are feeling the side effects of them. By cautiously I mean
don’t use it as an excuse to golf down a birthday cake or candy bars.
You can then easily start a roller-coaster effect that will many times
worse than the "low" you experienced. Been there, no fun, worse than a low.
The lowest low I’ve had is 28. That’s a low, and for some it’s quite
possible that they would be in a coma. I was not, but I was "diabetic
drunk".
I’ve had them in the 30s and 40s. Not so much lately.
Sometimes there is absolutely no reason that can be figured for them. At
bedtime I was 102 one night. Reading in bed 35 minutes later I realized
I was in a pool of sweat. That was the 28. Now that’s a drop. I had my
standard meds that I’ve had for years, none of them being diabetic meds
except for the 8u of Lantus that I take every day at bedtime. I didn’t
overshoot. And, I’ve been taking the same 8u since. Very possible it was
the late night use of my hot tub.
Was it exercise or activity level? I have no idea, but I don’t want to
be there again. That’s why having enough strips to test when you don’t
feel right is so important.
But people who have been high for a long time will get used to the lower
readings, and should. The doctor that said to do nothing should have had
better bedside manners but he is essentially correct.
So, when you talk about a low, you should be talking under 65 to be correct.
The tube of glucose gel at 24 carbs was probably too much. That’s why I
prefer to have glucose tabs on hand. You want to tweak a little at a time.
August 12th, 2006 at 6:38 am
When i was first getting my sugar under control, i was feeling like my sugar was
really low when it dropped below 150. My nurse practioner said that it would
take my body awhile to adjust since i was so used of having such high numbers in
the 300 range. I started getting used to being normal and as more time went by
with normal readings, i was feeling better with the lower numbers.. Now my body
knows when my sugars are below 70’s and i have to just have a small snack to
help myself feel better.
I am hoping to lose more weight, but so far i am down 21 lbs!!! Sometimes with
I also such eat a little more healthier
Small seps but leading to big results 
the Byetta, I feel so cold and get so very sleepy about 2 hours after i take it.
But since it has helped me a lot it is so well worth it. I just wish i could
get some motivation to excercise now
but it is a start and a great one to have lost 21 lbs only since like november
When I first started taking diabetic meds if I got to 90 I had hypo symptoms.
My doctor was puzzled and said , "you shouldn’t feel that way at 90." I replied,
"whether or not I should this is the way my body is reacting." I assumed it was
because my body was so used to having such high BG levels that to my body 90 was
low. Now I am between 89 and 135 most of the time and do not experience low
symptoms. So, whatever it says in a book, is not necessarily what your body
does. If you have symptoms at 90, 80, 70, 60 you should treat it as a low. Every
"body" is different and makes its adjustments in its own time. While you won’t
go into a coma, you will most certainly be uncomfortable with the symptoms. Your
body may eventually become "normal" but what fun is that, lol.
Signe
Michael, the lows that have been talked about are *not* lows. 70 is not
low. Yes, it will cause problems for those who have been around 200 or
better for some time, but it’s not going to put anyone into a diabetic coma.
Anything under 65 is a low. Check it out via Google on respected
diabetic sites such as the endo sites, or the ADA.
Not only those on insulin can have lows of course. Sulfonylureas can
cause lows; some circumstances can cause lows.
For those not used to lows, yes you should start treating "cautiously"
when you are feeling the side effects of them. By cautiously I mean
don’t use it as an excuse to golf down a birthday cake or candy bars.
You can then easily start a roller-coaster effect that will many times
worse than the "low" you experienced. Been there, no fun, worse than a low.
The lowest low I’ve had is 28. That’s a low, and for some it’s quite
possible that they would be in a coma. I was not, but I was "diabetic
drunk".
I’ve had them in the 30s and 40s. Not so much lately.
Sometimes there is absolutely no reason that can be figured for them. At
bedtime I was 102 one night. Reading in bed 35 minutes later I realized
I was in a pool of sweat. That was the 28. Now that’s a drop. I had my
standard meds that I’ve had for years, none of them being diabetic meds
except for the 8u of Lantus that I take every day at bedtime. I didn’t
overshoot. And, I’ve been taking the same 8u since. Very possible it was
the late night use of my hot tub.
Was it exercise or activity level? I have no idea, but I don’t want to
be there again. That’s why having enough strips to test when you don’t
feel right is so important.
But people who have been high for a long time will get used to the lower
readings, and should. The doctor that said to do nothing should have had
better bedside manners but he is essentially correct.
So, when you talk about a low, you should be talking under 65 to be correct.
The tube of glucose gel at 24 carbs was probably too much. That’s why I
prefer to have glucose tabs on hand. You want to tweak a little at a time.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
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7:52 AM
August 12th, 2006 at 9:58 am
This is a very interesting topic. I have not been low for a long time. But, I
think maybe a highter low like 70s may be a sign for you to eat if you are
feeling bad. But, maybe then it would be an apple with peanut butter so you
would digest it slowly. If you are in the 50s maybe you need sugar. I am not
sure why your doctor told you not to take glucose tablets. I would try to talk
to him. Treatment of this disease partly to help us feel better. If he was
worried about you bouncing to high in treating lows then maybe he can tell you
what to eat.
When I first started taking diabetic meds if I got to 90 I had hypo symptoms.
My doctor was puzzled and said , "you shouldn’t feel that way at 90." I replied,
"whether or not I should this is the way my body is reacting." I assumed it was
because my body was so used to having such high BG levels that to my body 90 was
low. Now I am between 89 and 135 most of the time and do not experience low
symptoms. So, whatever it says in a book, is not necessarily what your body
does. If you have symptoms at 90, 80, 70, 60 you should treat it as a low. Every
"body" is different and makes its adjustments in its own time. While you won’t
go into a coma, you will most certainly be uncomfortable with the symptoms. Your
body may eventually become "normal" but what fun is that, lol.
Signe
Michael, the lows that have been talked about are *not* lows. 70 is not
low. Yes, it will cause problems for those who have been around 200 or
better for some time, but it’s not going to put anyone into a diabetic coma.
Anything under 65 is a low. Check it out via Google on respected
diabetic sites such as the endo sites, or the ADA.
Not only those on insulin can have lows of course. Sulfonylureas can
cause lows; some circumstances can cause lows.
For those not used to lows, yes you should start treating "cautiously"
when you are feeling the side effects of them. By cautiously I mean
don’t use it as an excuse to golf down a birthday cake or candy bars.
You can then easily start a roller-coaster effect that will many times
worse than the "low" you experienced. Been there, no fun, worse than a low.
The lowest low I’ve had is 28. That’s a low, and for some it’s quite
possible that they would be in a coma. I was not, but I was "diabetic
drunk".
I’ve had them in the 30s and 40s. Not so much lately.
Sometimes there is absolutely no reason that can be figured for them. At
bedtime I was 102 one night. Reading in bed 35 minutes later I realized
I was in a pool of sweat. That was the 28. Now that’s a drop. I had my
standard meds that I’ve had for years, none of them being diabetic meds
except for the 8u of Lantus that I take every day at bedtime. I didn’t
overshoot. And, I’ve been taking the same 8u since. Very possible it was
the late night use of my hot tub.
Was it exercise or activity level? I have no idea, but I don’t want to
be there again. That’s why having enough strips to test when you don’t
feel right is so important.
But people who have been high for a long time will get used to the lower
readings, and should. The doctor that said to do nothing should have had
better bedside manners but he is essentially correct.
So, when you talk about a low, you should be talking under 65 to be correct.
The tube of glucose gel at 24 carbs was probably too much. That’s why I
prefer to have glucose tabs on hand. You want to tweak a little at a time.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
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Checked by AVG Free Edition.
Version: 7.5.446 / Virus Database: 268.18.16/729 - Release Date: 3/21/2007
7:52 AM
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
August 13th, 2006 at 4:47 am
Hi Dave,
Respectfully, I disagree. I did as you suggested and checked, at random,
several sites. Some do state that "normal" is considered 70-150 but not enough
for there to be a consensus. That is a broad range. Again, I think the
individual must be "aware" of what is normal for them. People can have
significant problems at 70 or at 28.
Speak with your doctor if you have doubts or questions. Mine, for example,
does not want me going into the 70 range if it can be avoided. Remember, the
high’s can mess your system up as well as the lows.
From the traffic on this subject, everyone reacts differently to what their
"low" is. It is probably best not to make statements saying 70 is not low but
65 is as it may be correct for you but not the rest of us.
With respect for your opinion,
Melodie
Michael, the lows that have been talked about are *not* lows. 70 is not
low. Yes, it will cause problems for those who have been around 200 or
better for some time, but it’s not going to put anyone into a diabetic coma.
Anything under 65 is a low. Check it out via Google on respected
diabetic sites such as the endo sites, or the ADA.
Not only those on insulin can have lows of course. Sulfonylureas can
cause lows; some circumstances can cause lows.
For those not used to lows, yes you should start treating "cautiously"
when you are feeling the side effects of them. By cautiously I mean
don’t use it as an excuse to golf down a birthday cake or candy bars.
You can then easily start a roller-coaster effect that will many times
worse than the "low" you experienced. Been there, no fun, worse than a low.
The lowest low I’ve had is 28. That’s a low, and for some it’s quite
possible that they would be in a coma. I was not, but I was "diabetic
drunk".
I’ve had them in the 30s and 40s. Not so much lately.
Sometimes there is absolutely no reason that can be figured for them. At
bedtime I was 102 one night. Reading in bed 35 minutes later I realized
I was in a pool of sweat. That was the 28. Now that’s a drop. I had my
standard meds that I’ve had for years, none of them being diabetic meds
except for the 8u of Lantus that I take every day at bedtime. I didn’t
overshoot. And, I’ve been taking the same 8u since. Very possible it was
the late night use of my hot tub.
Was it exercise or activity level? I have no idea, but I don’t want to
be there again. That’s why having enough strips to test when you don’t
feel right is so important.
But people who have been high for a long time will get used to the lower
readings, and should. The doctor that said to do nothing should have had
better bedside manners but he is essentially correct.
So, when you talk about a low, you should be talking under 65 to be correct.
The tube of glucose gel at 24 carbs was probably too much. That’s why I
prefer to have glucose tabs on hand. You want to tweak a little at a time.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
August 13th, 2006 at 11:37 pm
I guess we’ll both have to live with that.
I don’t agree with "some do state".
The AACE and Endocrine.web.com state:
"Our bodies desire blood glucose to be maintained between 70 mg/dl and
110 mg/dl (mg/dl means milligrams of glucose in 100 milliliters of
blood). Below 70 is termed "hypoglycemia". Above 110 can be normal if
you have eaten within 2 to 3 hours. That is why your doctor wants to
measure your blood glucose while you are fasting…it should be between
70 and 110. Even after you have eaten, however, your glucose should be
below 180. Above 180 is termed "hyperglycemia" (which translates to
mean "too much glucose in the blood"). "
The ADA would have you believe that the desired range is 90-130mg, while
the ACE considers under 70 starting to go low but <110mg 2 hours after a
meal. Note that they have reduced their guidelines several times over
the years and now they say an Hba1C of 6.5% is where diabetics should
set their goal, and recent ACE (ongoing) studies are indicating that
diabetics should shoot for that of a normal person without diabetes at
<6.0%.
It’s changing all the time. But there *is* a consensus on the above.
Yes, those not used to being "in a lower state" than 180 plus will
definitely notice that they are going lower, but that will subside as
their bodies acclimate to the lower (proper) numbers. Note that anything
over 180mg has been shown to cause cellular damage so it’s best to get
on with the program at all costs.
As for speaking with your doctor: a caution there! There are many
doctors that are not up on what the latest guidelines are. You really
have to do research yourself and not blindly think that a doctor’s word
is on target.
It takes lots of dedication, some time, and work to get your A1c in the
proper range. It can be done and whatever it takes to achieve that
should be done, be it Byetta, insulin, whatever. So, I revise my
statement that 65mg & under is low although I’ve seen that somewhere.
The professionals say 70mg and under is low.
With respect for your opinion backatcha,
Dave
August 14th, 2006 at 5:10 am
Hello Pam, You write" I nearly died around the time I was diagnosed"….
Could you tell us more about this? It sure sounds scary.
Aloha, Marge
August 14th, 2006 at 9:15 am
One thing to think about when dealing with lows. You need to be very careful
that you do not drive when you are feeling low and uneasy. If you get into an
accident during a low in some states you can lose your drivers licensee. So be
careful. I keep a package of glucose or candy in my car so that I can get home