Diabetic. On Glucobay And Glycomet. Sugar Level 63. What Is Causing Sudden Drop In Sugar Levels?

Posted on Wed, 10 Jul 2013

Question: My mother age 74 has been diabetic for the past 15 years. Her diabetes has always been in good control. The Hba1c test shows her sugar is in good control. She is on Glucobay 2.5mg noon and night, glycomet 500mg in the morning and glycomet SR 1mg at night. She has been following these medications for the past 3years with no untoward event. Yesterday she went into hypoglacemia and her sugar level was 63 even after having a banana and XXXXXXX Only after having her lunch and some sweet did she become normal. Yesterday she took only Glucobay2.5mg at night. Today morning her FBS was 115. No medication was given. Noon just before lunch her RBS was 99. No medication was given. Night her RBS was 103. No medic ation was given. Please help me. What is causing this sudden drop in her blood sugar levels. She keeps taking snacks like XXXXXXX cucumber biscuit buttermilk during the day.Then why did this happen?? Please Help! Thank You.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Basheer Ahamed (44 minutes later)

Hello,

Welcome to XXXXXXX Thanks for your query.

Blood sugar below 70 mg/dl is called as hypoglycemia.

If Hypoglycemia is sustained it may be life threatening and needs medical attention.

Hypoglycemia is a common clinical problem in elderly patients with diabetes.
Age modifies the counterregulatory and symptomatic response to hypoglycemia.

By the medical history of your mother it is likely that Sulfonylurea(Glycomet SR 1mg) might have caused hypoglycemia.
Avoid Sustained release(SR) preparation and prefer short acting preparations.

Other reasons are
1. Decrease in cognitions
2. Renal impairment and
3. polypharmacy.

So evaluate her renal status for any diabetic nephropathy.

Hope the answer helps you.

Pleased to answer other queries.

Note: For further follow-up, discuss your blood glucose reports with our diabetologist. Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T