hypoglycemia

[juanita]

So what can any of you tell me about this? I know what my pcp told me today, and what I read on the internet. But I'd like real people insight. I have the 5 hour glucose test tomorrow. From numbers now he says the test tomorrow is just an I told you so. I know I'll have to change my diet, but what else can I expect? From the way he explained it this could be part of my weight problems right now because the sugar spikes and I'm hungry again. So anything anybody can tell me would be great.

[Becky]

Hypoglycemia is low blood sugar. The pancreas releases insulin too efficiently and too much so you eat and then too much insulin is released so your blood sugar plummets. It is even more pronounced when you eat sugary foods or pasta/rice dishes that don't contain protein or fat (like a bowl of spaghetti with just tomato sauce - cuz its almost like a sugary treat once it is in the body). You get tired/very sleepy and irritable.

The "diet" is really a lifestyle change. Whole grains, protein, watching the sweets, good fats (like nuts and the right oils). It is so that you slow the digestion and have a constant slow stream of glucose (from the food) entering your bloodstream to avoid sugar spikes and extreme releases of insulin.

My husband has "it" but they have not been able to medically diagnose him as his 6 hr glucose tolerance tests don't come out that wrong. But he follows the diet and when he does, he doesn't "pass out" from fatigue. Even a lifesaver candy can throw him off. If he eats fruit, it has to be at night right before bed as he'll go out from that. He eats whole grain cereals (Uncle Sam's, All Bran Extra Fiber, Shredded Wheat or Cheerios) - all no sugar grams with almonds or walnuts on top. He uses 2% milk on this as he needs the fat. Sometimes he'll have a hard boiled egg too. He has salad for lunch with beans. He'll put cheese on (cuz he can afford the calories) but no crackers or bread. He can sometimes tolerate a wrap.

Dinner is pretty standard meat, salad, veggies and we do have rice or something. But he is CAREFUL with the sweets and snacks alot on raw almonds, celery dipped in hummus etc.

Do be careful to have your doctor keep an eye on you as you can change from being hypoglycemic to hyperglycemic (also know as diabetes). Your pancreas can get "overworked" and then shut down.

If you have any other questions, ask away. If I don't know, I'll ask my hub.

[juanita]

I did know it the scientific part, the doc was really good to explain all of that. I just wanted to know what it was like dealing with it. He did tell me if I didn't fix it now down the road I could be doing the insulin shots because it would wear out the pancreas. The morning I'd gone for the test I'd had a bagel with cream cheese and a hot chocoalte about 1 1/2 hours before the test. The one for the onc isn't a fasting blood test. My pcp said it should not have dropped that low that fast.

[goops]

I had terrible hypoglycemia when I used to drink Diet Coke. Once I quit using aspartame (Nutrasweet) the problem cleared right up. If you use aspartame try quitting. Aspartame is also in most gums (including the full sugar gums)