Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) Support Group
The term hypoglycemia literally means "low blood sugar." Hypoglycemia can produce a variety of symptoms and effects but the principal problems arise from an inadequate supply of glucose as fuel to the brain, resulting in impairment of function. Derangements of function can range from vaguely "feeling bad" to coma and in the worst case, can be fatal.
Hi everyone,
I'm new to this group and very confused about what is going on with my body. I've had the symptoms of hypoglycemia over the last 10 years, but I've never actually taken any blood glucose readings when the episodes occurred because the symptoms were few and far between and I didn't have a blood sugar monitor. I just recently had a terrible episode of hypoglycemia (one week ago) where I was out walking pretty fast with some friends and didn't eat breakfast before. I walked about one mile and then got really light headed, weak and fatigued, shaky legs, to the point that I couldn't walk anymore and felt like passing out (checked my pulse & it was normal). My friends got me some orange juice and within 10 min I was up and walking. The episode scared the hell out of me though! I do have a sweet tooth and had been eating sugary foods, etc. for a long time. I decided to change my diet over the last week to cut out sugary drinks, carbs and sugary foods and to have snacks in between meals.
My blood sugar readings over the last week in the morning before meals have range from 95, 103, 105, over the last week. I had a special dinner with my family last night where I had a small glass of champagne, a dessert and coffee with some sugar and my reading this a.m. before meals was 111. I was told by my pharmacist that normal blood sugar readings are between 70-110. I've done other research that says sugar readings shouldn't go above 100. I have been terrified and worried sick over the last week that I have diabetes (even though I still get symptoms of hypoglycemia). I'm about 40 lbs overweight, but I'm slowly losing some of the weight with exercise and change in diet. I'm going to ask my doctor to do an A1C test and oral glucose test to see if I have diabetes, but that's three weeks away. Just hoping someone could provide me with info about their experiences. I'm pretty worried. Thanks.
Erik
I'm new to this group and very confused about what is going on with my body. I've had the symptoms of hypoglycemia over the last 10 years, but I've never actually taken any blood glucose readings when the episodes occurred because the symptoms were few and far between and I didn't have a blood sugar monitor. I just recently had a terrible episode of hypoglycemia (one week ago) where I was out walking pretty fast with some friends and didn't eat breakfast before. I walked about one mile and then got really light headed, weak and fatigued, shaky legs, to the point that I couldn't walk anymore and felt like passing out (checked my pulse & it was normal). My friends got me some orange juice and within 10 min I was up and walking. The episode scared the hell out of me though! I do have a sweet tooth and had been eating sugary foods, etc. for a long time. I decided to change my diet over the last week to cut out sugary drinks, carbs and sugary foods and to have snacks in between meals.
My blood sugar readings over the last week in the morning before meals have range from 95, 103, 105, over the last week. I had a special dinner with my family last night where I had a small glass of champagne, a dessert and coffee with some sugar and my reading this a.m. before meals was 111. I was told by my pharmacist that normal blood sugar readings are between 70-110. I've done other research that says sugar readings shouldn't go above 100. I have been terrified and worried sick over the last week that I have diabetes (even though I still get symptoms of hypoglycemia). I'm about 40 lbs overweight, but I'm slowly losing some of the weight with exercise and change in diet. I'm going to ask my doctor to do an A1C test and oral glucose test to see if I have diabetes, but that's three weeks away. Just hoping someone could provide me with info about their experiences. I'm pretty worried. Thanks.
Erik
What else did you have last night? The protein might have balanced out the sugar. Did you feel sweaty or have a headache when you woke up? Your blood sugar might have dropped over night and somehow recovered by itself.
My hypos popped up out of no where when I was four and a half. I would (seemingly) spontaneously become nauseous, dizzy, weak, anxious, irritable, and grouchy. I would whine for a snack and then feel better. Just a few hours later, my symptoms would begin again. My cousin is a type one diabetic and sent us some strips and a meter, suggesting my mom check my blood sugar every hour or two. well...it worked. I'd be in the normal range of 70-120. But about two and a half hours after eating...40s and 50s. So now, I check my blood sugar 4-6 times a day. I eat at regular intervals. Eating a balance of proteins, complex carbs and fats keep my blood sugar levels stable. I avoid sugar, white rice, white flour and most processed foods. instead of eating a big meal, I graze throughout the day. I mostly avoid lows now and I have so much more energy. Healthy eating also keeps the rest of my body healthy (I have other complex medical problems, so it's pretty critical I eat well).
Oh and you mentioned exercise! that's a tough one for me, not only because of hypos, but because my other illnesses....they cause fatigue, joint/muscle pain, muscle weakness, heart problems and trouble breathing--it's not always easy to exercise! Before I do, I take my inhaler, stretch (sometimes that's all I can do and that's okay), and eat a small snack. Usually a handful of nuts, a piece of cheese or a granola bar plus a juice box. I have to eat again after I exercise. Usually I test every 20 minutes while i exercise, because I'm afraid of a low. If I'm below 80, i have some juice take a short break and move on with my workout.
I know this a lot of information. This might not be the case for you, but it's just what I've learned through 12 years with hypoglycemia. Best of luck!
Blessings,
Anna Faith
Thanks so much for the information and the encouragement! I was very surprised to see that you have Afib at 16, since everyone tells me that I am very young to have Afib and I'm 42. I would definitely like to share any information that I have with you about dealing with Afib; it's such a difficult and scary thing to deal with. A lot of times I will get skipped heartbeats, which my cardiologist calls premature atrial contractions (he says they're harmless, but they still concern me). Usually I get them when I worry (which seems to be always) or when I don't drink enough water.
I haven't checked my blood sugar when I feel shaky and weak, but I will in the future. The main course I had last night was lamb, crab and a baked potato. I was also eating a lot of strawberries and grapes. I didn't feel sweaty or have a headache when I woke up. I do get sinus headaches, though. I do get anxious, have a weak feeling in my body and irritable when I haven't eaten in a while. My hypoglycemic episodes occur once or twice a week. Cutting out on the simple carbs has really helped me feel better. I don't seem to like eating any bread products anymore and just a week ago, I loved them. It's really weird.
Do you have to take drugs like tykosin, digoxin, multaq or rythmol for your afib? If so, the side effects from these drugs can easily make you tired very quickly.
I really do appreciate your help and the information. I feel much more encouraged. Please keep in touch and I will do the same. Take care!
Erik
You probably didn't go low last night because of all the protein in the rest of your meal balanced out the sugar in the dessert and champagne.
Thanks! We'll figure this out one way or another lol.