blood sugar

Good morning everyone... I have to take my blood sugar everyday... Since I have been home it has progressively gotten lower from 102 on Sunday and today was 88. As we all know, I am not eating nearly as much as before. I guess I am a little nervous about it.. and if it should drop any lower. Any suggestions? Thanks, Beckie

As a registered nurse... please listen to me when I say that you should call your primary doc.. or the MD that handles your DM. As always... if you feel s/s of hypoglycemia... drink your OJ as you would normally! (don't worry about dumping... at least you'll be alive) You know low blood sugar is as dangerous as high. Also your dietican can suggest pureed meals... or liquid supplements that would help you maintain your glucose levels. Are you insulin dependent? If so and are recieving long acting insulin types (NPH, or 70/30) those dosages might need to be looked at. I was not diabetic... but after surgery I had alot of trouble with low blood sugars as well. Tricks like including peanut butter in my protein shakes.. and more pureed fruits helped alot (this was advice from my MD) Best of luck from another Becky in CT (down 102 lbs since 10/1/04)

Hi Becky, I am not insulin dependent. I was on Glucophage before surgery but they sent me home without it. (I had surgery on 12/27). I do not see Dr. Aranow until the 11th. I will get more OJ today as well as call my PCP to see what she says. Maybe she will tell me to try some thing and then see me another day. I just got a bit nervous when I saw 88 this morning. Thank you for all of your help and suggestions. Hugs, Beckie

I just called and talked to Lois at Dr. A's office and she said I have nothing to worry about. Wheeeew! She told me that I should not get much lower than 88... and that if it should go lower.. to call and they will give me more instructions or call my PCP.

glad you called... but invest in OJ... we know all to well that the Dr's can take FAR too long to call sometimes!!!!!!!

Rebecca: I was also diabetic but am off all but my last prescription. What do you recommend as an average glucose level, versus one we should be worried about? I was 285-300 preop; now, 13 months out, I run about between 85 and 140, depending on when I've eaten, what I've eaten, etc. Bette 376/210/195

For the pt's that I care for... I would be comfortable with a blood sugar between 85-140.... but you should always follow your doctors advice.. ask him/her what they think your blood sugar levels should be. There is also a simple blood test that will tell your MD if your blood sugar has been well under control for the last month. Best of luck

I have an appointment with my PCP this month, and he's hoping to take me off my last med. And if the test you were referring to is the A1C, my last one was 5.1, down from a whopping preop of 9.7!

Beckie, As a type 1 diabetic, my blood sugars can get very low - been as low as 39, not that it is good but I was still walking and talking! Anyway, I also keep glucose tablets on hand at all times. They come in flavors - orange, strawberry, etc. If you suck on a few of them, your blood sugar rises very fast - I do have the same result wit OJ, but just another alternative. Nancy K.