Remember that the information presented here is not intended to replace the care of your own doctor. Before making any changes in the management of
your own illness, you should consult your physician or other qualified medical professionals.
Question
I am a 65 year old male who has had type 2 diabetes
for 15 years which is treated with insulin. My doctor wanted me to do a 12
hour fast prior to a blood test for
triglycerides.
I attempted to go 12 hours without eating and had a pretty severe low
blood sugar (42 mg/dL [2.3 mmol/L]) along with all the usual symptoms. My
blood sugar was continuing to drop so my wife made me drink, 8 ounces of
soda to counteract the low. It did help start bring me out of confusion,
profuse perspiration, and cloudy vision.
I then went for the fasting blood test. I now feel washed out and generally
terrible, because of the low blood sugar, which I had earlier. How can I
do a 12 hour fast without having a low blood sugar? Any ideas?
Answer
You should have discussed the guidelines for adjusting insulin for such a
long fast with your doctor prior to entering the fast. This venue
does not allow us to give you direction. Next time this should be
discussed with your physician and appropriate adjustments made in the
amount and timing of your insulin injections.
slb
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