Any of you doctors out there can assist in helping to interpret what low levels of potassium in blood could possibly mean?

My level is 3.4 mmol/L and the report says 3.5-5.3 mmol/L is normal. Not worried about this result but just curious what it could mean. Also had a high glucose reading, 122 mg/dL.

Any information helps. Thanking you in advance.

Could mean you're on a mediation that makes you lose potassium, could be dehydrated, could be you're not eating enough potassium, could be lab error, could be inadequate salt intake, too much sweating, could be a thyroid issue, maybe you just ate something and your potassium went into your cells. Just a couple thoughts.

bigtruckguy3500 said:

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...could be you're not eating enough potassium...

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I challenge anyone that says they routinely hit the 3400mg recommended potassium intake per day through food alone. A banana is only 450mg; 1c spinach - 800ish? I like to think I have a pretty good diet but I'm probably still a 1000mg short even on my best days. I think my only saving grace is that I drink 1 to 1-1/2 pots of black coffee each day which might amount to 800-1000mg.

Keep in mind how normal values are determined. Basically, a large number of healthy people had their potassium levels determined. Then, "they" decided the top 2.5% and bottom 2.5% were abnormal and that the middle 95% was "normal". Doesn't mean that it is dangerous. Just means that it is in the lower 2.5% of healthy people. Simple as that.

Unless you are taking a medicine (such as digoxin) that doesn't work well with low potassium levels, I wouldn't worry about a potassium level of 3.4 mEq/L.

Drinking alcohol can do it.

guilty