CGM use has highlighted problem with rising fasting blood sugars
I've been a type 2 diabetic for over 20 years, 69 years old. Taking only oral meds. Started using the Freestyle Libre 2 prior to hand surgery in November as I was not going to be able to do finger sticks with my hand in a cast.
Previously I was testing at 5am as I am an early riser.
My fasting BS was 130-150, I would eat breakfast between 9-11 am. I follow a pretty strict Keto diet, my A1C has been 7.3-7.5 for a couple of years, working to drop below 7 but at my age and length of time since I was diagnosed my doctor and I have been OK with that. I am a retired RN, with other medical and Gastro issues, I will not use any of the new drugs, too risky with my other medical issues and no insulin for me. I have lost weight on the KETO diet and have seen improvements in A1C and my general health over the last few years.
When I started using the Freestyle Libre 2 I was pretty astonished to see my fasting blood sugar rise from my 5 am level to between 180-220 by noon. Around noon it would start going down and by 2 it was 130-150. I was taking my meds, Glipizide ER and Metformin soon after getting up, between 5:30-6:30. Taking evening doses of Metformin and Glipizide at bedtime.
I've been experimenting with taking my meds at different times. Stopped taking evening Glipizide, just taking Metformin before dinner and BS did not go up so I'm continuing that right now because it's better to just use Metformin. My doctor supports what I am doing, just saw her last week and she is also stumped by the continuing late morning high BS.
I am so glad I started using a CGM, despite how this has turned my life upside down and burst my bubble about how my regime was working. Wish I had been able to use a CGM years ago, I know I would be in a much better place now. Using a CGM makes you accountable.
It is so frustrating to be a long term Type 2, not many options are being studied other than insulin or the injectable drugs like Ozempic and others that cause horrible side effects. I wouldn't want to live like that. Why would research be done for simple drugs that the drug companies can't make money on? It sucks🙁
Hi @Chrysoss. Thank you for sharing your experiences with your diabetes management and how it's changed over time. I'm glad that the CGM is working for you so far! Although, it is frustrating not to have a resolution for the continuing late morning blood sugars. If you haven't already seen this article, it might provide more information: https://type2diabetes.com/clinical/morning-high-blood-sugar.
Warmly, Jacqueline (Team Member).I share the same frustration with you. I also have been using the Freestyle Libre 2 for the last 14 days. I am realy impressed at how it tracks everything. It's been a good tool in helping me understand what my body is doing. I have had a troubles balancing insulin and sugars lately but with my Endo's advice and the new meter, I am confident we'll get things straightened out.
I've done everything the dietician and Endo has told me and after 11 years, I still don't have a handle on my sugars. BUT they are consistent with in the range my Endo wants. I still do go a little high but it's mostly when I miss doses of meds or insulin.
Also I tried Ozempic and I ended up with some pretty nasty stomach upset. I have gastro issues so I wasn't about to let that continue. That med is not for me.
