Hi, I’m pre diabetic. When 8 started blood was 6.8, it’s now 4.7. the question is, what do I do if they drop below 4.0? These are fasting bloods. I’m assuming if I feel fine don’t worry for the other 7 weeks.

Hi keithwray, sounds as though you are doing really well on the diet and it is having the desired results. Unless you really starve yourself it is unlikely you will go much under 4.0. I often have 3.6 or 3.7 and I am okay if that was my pre-food morning level. However, if during the day you start to feel any of the hypo symptoms you must have something to eat. It needn’t be what I used to aim for like a jam sandwich or something sweet. It is just as good to have a plain yoghurt with some sweetish fruit like raisins, figs, prunes, or some cold meat or cheese. Just keep checking every 15 minutes until your levels come back up.

Now for the symptoms to watch out for – feeling hungry, feeling dizzy or woozy, getting irritable, confusion, sweating, shaking, blurred vision, numbness or tingling in finger tips or lips, feeling weak or overcome with tiredness. I think that is about it. Obviously you wouldn’t feel all of those at the same time and as pre-diabetic it is not so likely but you will get to know your own body. My first thing is I just feel weird and a bit shaky or suddenly overcome by terrible hunger. Main thing is JUST EAT SOMETHING, or have a glass of orange juice (not really good for your sugars but that is not the point here).

Thank you. I’ll get a few packets of emergency biscuits. I’ll start taking my blood monitor out.

keithwray, I don’t think I told you to buy biscuits. I said I USED TO HAVE certain things like a jam sandwich. That was before I knew better and started using plain yoghurt with prunes, or some meat, chicken or cheese. Sorry if I misled you but no biscuits. Also, you don’t need to keep checking your BG, just now and then (I do every day because I am on insulin) especially when you are out unless you are doing marathons or excessive exercise. If you want to take something out with you have a packet of nuts like some almonds or walnuts, very good for you. Check it pre-food in the morning but you can do it every few days. If you feel seriously unwell then go ahead and check your numbers.

8 know that. I bought some individual packets to stick in my drawer at work, out of the way. The have a long shelf life. If I take nuts I will eat them

As long as they are not a temptation.