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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    Why do I always have hypos even if my insulin dose is small?

    Related Topics
    Nutrition Type 1 Diabetes Type 2 Diabetes
    I always have a hypo in the morning after I have breakfast no matter how much I eat whether its a big meal or small meal.
    • 2 answers
    • Dr Kevin Lee
    • Fumi Somehara
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    Dr Kevin Lee

    Endocrinologist, Nuclear Medicine Physician

    Consultant Physician in Endocrinology, Diabetes & Nuclear Medicine. I am on Twitter @dr_kevinlee. I am on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/kevinleefracp/ I help patients with obesity, diabetes, thyroid, … View Profile

    A complex question with no easy answer.

    It depends on many many factors, including:
    -The exogenous insulin regimen, e.g. insulin dosing, injection timing;  endogenous insulin reserve
    -Change in insulin sensitivity depending on diurnal pattern of counter-regulatory hormones, change in insulin sensitivity following exercise, change in insulin sensitivity due to other medications
    -Carbohydrate/food absorption which can depend on macronutrient composition, glycemic index, functional gastrointestinal problems.

    It is generally advisable that you promptly seek medical advice from your GP, diabetic educator, dietitian or endocrinologist/diabetologist if you are having unusual patterns or difficult to manage hypoglycemia.

    Regards,

    Dr Kevin Lee. 
    BSc(Med),MBBS,MHS(Clin Epi),FRACP
    Consultant Physician Endocrinologist

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    Fumi Somehara

    Dietitian, Nutritionist

    Fumi is a dietitian (APD) specialising in Dancer's Health and Eating Disorders Treatment. Her work is grounded in Health At Every Size (R) and Non-Diet … View Profile

    Hi There,

    When's the last time you had your insulin regimen reviewed by your GP? Have you told your doctor about these hypo's? What kind of meals are you having?<br/> <br/> As Dr Lee stated above, there could be many many reasons for the hypo. But seeking a professional advice from a doctor and/or a specialist is definitely good. Of course a dietitian can also help especially with food-related aspects e.g. understanding carbohydrate foods, amount of carbohydrate in foods, how food combination can vary the release of sugar from foods etc.

     

    Kind regards,

    Fumi

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