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The Question
08/21/09 02:29 AM

"When my blood sugar is low I find that my lips and tongue start to feel numb. Has anyone else had this reaction? "
Asked By: hestok  
Category: Blood Glucose Monitoring

Background Info Hide
I have only recently had this reaction. I have had diabetes since I had pancreatic surgery in Feb. 2008. My A1'c test has always been between 6.1 and 6.3 and I have not had a lot of lows, so I just wondered if this is a commom reaction?

Expert Answers (1)

08/23/09 12:32 PM

Morning HeStok; As the blood glucose levels decline you experience numbness in the mouth area, yes, this has been described frequently. You are also telling me you have had a chance to assess exactly what the blood glucose is doing when you have these symptoms. This 'warning sign' can be unique to you however; numbness is one of the frequently defined symptoms. The literature describes several common symptoms as warning signs, however, knowing your unique cues is very valuable information, (and I'm sure you share this with your s/o's around you as to help you notice them).

As you mentioned, these hypoglycemic occurrences' have been recent, have you identified the causes?

  • Too little food,
  • too few carbs
  • delay of a meal or snack
  • exercise/activity program harder and longer than usual
  • too much insulin/medication
  • illness
  • or after work alcohol-drink on and empty stomach?

    Keep a safety kit for treatments and know the 15/15 rules :

  • <70mg/dl, take 15 gms. Carb (what you can tolerate, could be 1/2 juice,1T. honey/syrup,1 c. low fat milk, 6 saltines, or those glucose tabs to total 15 grams of carbohydrate),
  • wait 15 minutes, check the blood glucose,
  • if it continues to be<70mg/dl-repeat or the ER maybe indicated.
  • If the glucose levels begin to rise and the next meal is more than an hour away, have a small snack of carb and protein content, ( cheese and crackers, 1/2 sandwich, to approx. 15-25 gms. Carb and 1-2 oz. protein).

    having a plan for the 'just in case' is key, diabetes being a progressive disease. Responses are across the spectrum, a related hypoglycemic response: when his wife spoke/became romantic (?) she was beginning to go low with the blood glucose levels. Unfortunately, his response-"honey, check your blood glucose". Be your best. Thanks for asking dLife. Regards Sue

    • Answered By: Susan Throop
    Accreditations: RD, CDE, MA
    Sources Show

    Community Answers (3)

    08/26/09 02:26 AM

    I also get numbness. It usually starts in my arms and whenever I check it my blood sugar is getting close to 70. I usually just take a couple sips of juice or chew on the life saver tablets and that puts me right back in place.
    Answered By: sam8795
    FLAG
    SourcesShow


    08/23/09 08:04 PM

    Answered By: furball64801
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    08/23/09 08:03 PM

    Answered By: furball64801
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