Hypoglycemia Questions- please give me some input!

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   Bethisawesomeposted 12 years ago

   I have a couple questions I was hoping you guys could help me with. I was diagnosed with hypoglycemia about 6 months ago. For the last 6 years or so prior to being diagnosed, I ate only a meal at night(normal sized). Now I eat 3 times daily but breakfast and lunch are usually just enough to keep my levels up in the 60s-70s. Usually a KIND granola bar for breakfast. The months leading up to the diagnosis I had signs like dilated pupils that people would comment about and extreme nausea, but I didnt know they were symptoms at the time. I am a firefighter so eating on time all the time isnt always an option. Eating when I feel an episode coming on is really not an option because usually thats when I'm on a call. My BMI is in the very normal range and I eat pretty healthy food. I am a female. I guess the questions I have are: Why does hypoglycemia lead to type 2? (as my dr said I would become) Does the food you ate on Day 1 affect how your levels are on Day 2? (because mine seem to) All of the research i have done so far indicates that being in the 50s range is dangerous to your body, so why does my dr seem unconcerned when I reach 51 almost daily? (But I'm still functional, maybe shaking and showing other signs tho) Why are my hands always cold and get even colder when im getting low? (That was the initial reason I went to see my doc and ended up being diagnosed after a fasting BG test)
   Is there anything other than exercising and eating that can raise my levels when I'm low? (Exercising works very well for me but I cant always drop everything and do that)

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   1. 87

      tsmogposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Hello Beth. I am not sure what levels you are discussing. Diabetics test (blood sugar) glucose levels. Normal being the area of 100. I have a dxd = diagnosis of diabetes type2 and my doc is happy with between 120 - 140 for an average over the days. I poke my finger(s) 3X a day. Recommended for testing is 2hrs after putting food in your mouth, kinda' Blood glucose levels are affected by foods more on an hourly basis than day to day.
      
      Ketones (Urine testing) is a different matter. I don't remember the numbers for that.
      
      Cold hands are a clue to many different possibilities. I am not a Dr, of course, but that is a symptom for things like irregular cycle, magnesium defiencey, and people who take beta blockers for blood pressure are sensitive to cold with feet and hands. I realize that may not be helpful, but remember your doctor is the source for answers. The internet helps with helping the doctor. Take notes and present them at your next visit. I keep a spiral binder and take everytime I go. I write my questions down so I don't forget to ask too - old guy stuff - smile
      
      have fun!
      
      
      Quarterly I do a H1AC blood test, which he is happy if I am near 6.0 - 6.5. Remember I am diabetic, which is kinda' opposite hypoglycemic.

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   2. 61

      hush4444posted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I have reactive hypoglycemia (you sound like you have true hypoglycemia, not reactive), and the reason it can lead to type 2 diabetes (not a certainty) is that when you eat something that is high on the glycemic index, your pancreas excretes more insulin that is necessary.  That wave of insulin reduces your blood sugar too much.  Eventually, the pancreas starts to work ineffectively, either not producing enough insulin or producing inadequate amounts.  I agree that you should see an endocrinologist.  My doctor told me to eat as though I'm already diabetic to better regulate my insulin.

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2. 59

   Fiction Tellerposted 12 years ago

   Hi,
   
   Is this called reactive hypoglycemia?  It seems the information out there is confusing because most of it refers to hypo in people with diabetes.  The most relevant page I've found for info on hypoglycemia without diabetes is:
   
   http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/hypogl … ION=causes
   
   Also, some hubbers have apparently written on the topic - this hub has a lot of comments:
   
   http://benjimester.hubpages.com/hub/Hyp … t-Diabetes

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3. 60

   Bethisawesomeposted 12 years ago

   Tsmog- I test my blood glucose 5-7 times daily. Those are the levels. Mine usually range from 50-80 but if I have multiple good days in a row they can get higher after I eat. As far as the cold hands...it seems to get alot worse when I notice my levels dropping. I don't have a cycle due to an IUD birth control. I am going to try adding magnesium to see if it helps. Thanks for the info guys!!

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      Robertr04posted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I don't know how aware you are about natural healing, but I would like to give you a few suggestions that our clients have had very good results with. First we always recommend a body cleanse. The body cannot heal without it. Then we have them change their eating regimen To organic fruits, veg, whole grains, nuts and seeds. Combining the cleanse and eating change will rid the body of toxins and mucus(wastes). All the herbs I am suggesting are extracts. Brewers Yeast; natural energy soars.Hypoglycemia is stabilized by the beautiful protein profiles provide by B.Y. as well as a complete natural profile of B-complex vit.  Works well for high blood sugar also. B.Y. has an additional property to correct pancreatic function also. When the diet has chromium restored to it the pancreas, in many cases , will again make the hormone insulin needed for the digestion of blood sugar and B.Y. is one of the best,most reliable and easily obtainable sources of organic chromium. Dandelion Leaf; Very high in non-harmful vegetable vit A known as carotene. Excellent potassium source, helps to stabalize blood sugar in low blood sugar suffers. Licorice Root; a specific for low blood sugar. Somewhere between 4-50 times sweeter than cane sugar without the calories and does not increase thirst. It can be so sweet it tastes bitter if not diluted. Again, it is a specific for persons with low blood sugar problems. If you are not feeling up to par and have a habit of eating white flour products or sugar products, it is safe to assume they would benefit from Licorice Root. Rice Bran; being a very rich source of a balanced B-complex profile of vitamins, Rice Bran can be vital to maintaining normal blood sugar levels for those suffering from low blood sugar. The B-complex allows the nerves of the body to feed on blood sugar and function normally for an agreeable personality and a clear head for memory and clear thinking. To develop natural stamina, take Rice Bran and eat high quality protein foods on a regular basis. Cold hands and feet could be the result of poor circulation. Capsicum, Rosemary, Myrrh, and Lily of the Valley& Blessed Thistle are very good circulation herbs.

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         Robertr04posted 12 years agoin reply to this

         My wife just hollered at me, anemia. have your iron level checked. Lapacho, Maca, Ground Ivy,and Red Clover.

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   2. 67

      Melindas Mindposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Has what you eat been discussed with you? Because you need to eat regularly, but what you eat is very important. If you eat something high in carbs you will go up and then rebound really low.
      
      Also, are you seeing a regular doctor or an endocrinologist? Because, honestly, it doesn't sound like you're getting the care you need, and that screams that you've got a primary with a god complex who wouldn't know his a** from a hole in the ground and thinks taking care of your issues should be easy. Don't get me started. lol

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4. 81

   hinazilleposted 12 years ago

   in response to your questions:
   
   Why does hypoglycemia lead to type 2?
   
   consistently low blood sugar levels due to high concentrations of insulin in the system may result in the receptors becoming desensitised to the insulin eventually - this may result in the onset of diabetes type II as it is characterised by low or insufficient insulin levels. in your case, the insulin levels wouldnt be low, but the response to the insulin will be low.
   
   Does the food you ate on Day 1 affect how your levels are on Day 2?
   
   generally blood glucose levels reflect sugar intake over the last 12 hours or so, but the Hb1ac levels are much more accurate in indicating blood glucose levels as it is a measure of how much sugar is attached to the haemoglobin in the blood. this type of test is done in the hospital/doc's office though, your home test kits will only reflect recent sugar intake.
   
   Why are my hands always cold and get even colder when im getting low?
   
   one reason this may happen is because as your body is in a state of hypoglycaemia, it may think there is not enough sugar in the system, hence it will try to conserve sugar (as opposed to using it to produce heat energy)...
   
   Is there anything other than exercising and eating that can raise my levels when I'm low?
   
   you can try keeping boiled sweets (those you can suck) close by, anytime you feel your blood sugar levels are getting low, you can take one to maintain minimum sugar levels. Also, i know you mentioned besides eating, but you also need to increase complex carbs in your diet so that the glucose from these foods is released slowly into the system as opposed to in one big dose.
   
   hope this helps!

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