Diabetes Type 2 Support Group

Type 2 Diabetes is a condition in which the body either does not produce enough insulin or does not make efficient use of it. Insulin is a hormone needed to convert food into glucose, a sugar that the body uses for energy. Without enough insulin, glucose can accumulate in the blood, and can cause serious health problems such as heart disease and strokes and organ damage...

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Endocrine System
/ Diabetes Type 2 Support Group

Having low blood sugar episodes

Community Leadermujicaptsd
mujicaptsd
Hi,
I've only been diagnosed with diabetes 2 for a year and a half. I'm on glipi;zide ER and it's worked wonderfully. In the last 2 weeks, though, I've had low blood sugar episodes that have made it hard to get through my working day, enjoy weekends. I have extra numbness in my feet, too. I had a doctor who's good enough, I suppose, but not great to communicate with. I wondered if you could help me know what to tell him.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Try to see a proper diabetes specialist not just a general doctor. If you are having hypos then you need help to work out why and avoid it. Is there a pattern? Do they happen at similar times of day, if so what are you/have you been doing before their onset? Do you need to change the dosage of your meds or eat differently? The more data you can provide to the doctor the better. Check blood sugar and note down what you ate and when, any exercise, meds, anything that might have affected your blood sugars.

In the mean time invest in medical ID jewellery and sugar supplies. Get duplicates of your blood test gear and keep one at work, in the car, wherever you spend time often. If the episodes are severe you might want to get some gel or injectable hypo treatment. Make sure someone you trust knows about your diabetes, what to look out for and what to do in each place you visit frequently.

And needless to say avoid driving if you are at all worried about hypos. Not only is it dangerous to you but also everyone else on the road. Test blood sugar before you get in the car and take time to eat and wait until it rises if it is at all low.
grannie
grannie
As was said, see a Endocrinologist and tell him what you said in you post. He will do the necessary blood work and guide you from there.
mzizgayle
mzizgayle
Talk to him/her about changing you off the Glipizide er. seems the glipizide can cause highs and lows


http://diabetes.emedtv.com/glipizide/glipizide-and-blood-sugar.html
deleted_user
deleted_user
I would definetly keep a record of my lows and times to give to the Dr. You may not need to do more than add a snack. If your Dr. isn't easy to talk to, then find another if you can. I did that and it has been very helpful.