I am a Diabetic. I was diagnosed with type 2 in April 2007.
Yesterday I had my first experience of a Hypoglycaemic episode. That is when the blood suger falls below a certain point. I haven't experienced such a thing before since my problem (since diagnosis of my Diabetes) has been one of Hyperglycaemia; raised blood sugars.
Since April 2007 my Glucose has been averaging 10.2, not good and very dangerous in fact. I have been struggling to manage my Diabetes and struggle has been the operative word. Over the last month I have been really trying hard to control my illness. I have not felt good in myself with this feeling that I was consistently bad at doing the 'right thing'. So I have really been trying this past four weeks. Changed my diet (trying anyway); less Carbohydrates, no bread (wheat does strange things to my guts anyway) - too much Carbs produces too much sugar and I have been avoiding sandwiches for a few months since I have noticed that after eating bread I get really tired/want to fall asleep.
Yesterday I had an appointment with my GP for 07:45. My blood glucose was 7.7; going in the right direction but still a tad high. Working on it, honest. I have just started an OU course on managing diabetes care and it is helping. Anyway, went off to work. It was a very busy morning. Barely time to put my lunch in the fridge and we were off. First a hostel visit, then off to a Psychiatric unit for a ward round. It was while I was on the bus going up Highgate hill that I began to feel a bit strange. My legs began to feel strange, 'leggy'; can't explain really. Then I felt a bit dizzy. My awareness began to close in and my vision became blurred. Then I broke out in buckets of sweat. My mind began to shut down and I nearly fainted.
I know now what was happening. But I didn't then. It was very frightening. I think it happened because of my having only a light, early breakfast, then rushing to work, rushing about at work, not having a rest, or any snack. It was still an hour later before I ate my lunch. I should have eaten it before I went to the hospital but I wasn't in charge of the timetable yesterday, my colleague was. One to report to my GP.
Might be worth carrying a pack of those glucose sweets (you can buy them from the chemist) around with you...they get into the bloodstream pretty quickly... a pack of polo mints is too tempting, but would have the same effect, only slower!
Posted by: Mac McLernon | 09/27/2008 at 11:11 PM
Funny you should say that... Saturday I was in my local Boots and asking for Glucose sweets. They no longer sell them. Apparently they are following government guidance. Glucose/Dextrose sweets are often components of certain, 'dance' related recreational drugs including home made Ketamine.
You couldn't make it up! Sugar cubes will have to do.
Posted by: clive baulch | 09/29/2008 at 08:45 PM
Forget Boots... they're useless. No, the mom-and-pop type chemists in the High Street probably still sell them!
Posted by: Mac McLernon | 09/30/2008 at 11:27 PM