Dumping or Diabetes?

OK.... First of all, I'm NOT seeking medical advice, and I am going to the doctor to see about this, but I'm just curious for those of you who are or have been diabetic and frequently test your blood sugars..... Ok, before surgery I was prediabetic. Really had more of a hypoglycemic (reactive) problem than I did with any levels of high blood sugar. I controlled it with diet. But certain things would make my blood sugar drop rapidly and I'd feel like crap, ie... shakes, sweats, etc... I'd eat or drink something and be better. I always caught it as it was starting, so I never felt too terrible. Now I have been having the problem again. So I started taking my blood sugar randomly. I've had high's in the 300 range and lows in the 30's. The low numbers have almost always happened in my sleep and I'd wake up drenched in sweat, unable to walk, barely talk, really scary! Luckily my husband knows what to do ...now... (the first time was pretty bad and he was pretty freaked) Anyway, I can usually wake him up moaning, I don't even necessarily remember it all, I just know that I'm unable to get what's in my head to come out of my mouth, and nothing on my body is responding to my commands. It's the strangest sensation! So... here's my question ... I was reading last night about diabetes and a link for "Dumping Syndrome" came up. It was on the Mayo Clinic site, so I trust the guidelines they gave. The definition they gave for Dumping was very similar to what I keep experiencing. And they say that dumping is related to your blood sugar dropping rapidly and making you feel this way. My only concern is the high's I've been having to go along with it. It's like my pancreas is asleep and then all of a sudden wakes up and freaks out, producing too much insulin, and then reacts by overdoing the adjustments and I bottom out. Ok, so I still haven't really asked a question. I'm thinking my way through this as I go, so bear with me. This doesn't necessarily happen when I've had a high sugar content item. Although I do suspect that is mainly the culpret, but I've only nibbled on these items. The second time I know that I ate 3 bites of a sara lee pound cake with fresh strawberries and a dab of whip cream. It happened hours laters in my sleep. Last night it happened and I had a fun size butterfinger..... hours later I wa****ting bottom in my sleep. My numbers are always in the 30's when I feel this way. It can happen during the day also, but I catch it around 50 or 60 so I am able to correct it before it's too bad. Anybody else experiencing this kind of problem? Thanks Kimberly

I haven't experienced this problem Kim, but I am glad your seeing the doctor. Is it hypoglycemia perhaps? Please let us know what's going on-- those rapid swings sound scary for you. Also, try the main message board-- there are more people on it and they might have enountered this. love ya- Andrea

Thanks so much... I'll try that too. I actually got an appointment for today! YAY! I'll let you know what they say. HUGS K

Hi Kim Sorry you are having these problems. I really can't help you but I can send prayers y our way and only say, thank God you are going to see your surgeon. He will help you. Keep us posted. Hugs.......... Marie

Thanks Marie.... I'll be sure and post what the response is from the doc and surgeon. HUGS K

Oh Kim --I am glad you are going to see your doctor. I hope this turns out to be something that is controllable. Diabetes runs in my family, but (knock on wood) I have never had a problem with my blood sugar...it is almost always in the 80s-90s. I know when my mom gets the shakes and cannot speak clearly it is because her insulin isn't working right....and she needs to change her dosage. My husband has had some symptoms himself of borderline diabetes with symptoms of shakes. I know this is nothing to take lightly and I am so glad you are getting into your doctor right away! Good luck and let us know what the outcome is. I will be thinking of you!!! Mandie

My mother, grandmother, greatmother, and several great aunts are all diabetic. I really hope this is just dumping syndrome. I finally found a study done about dumping syndrome and they mentioned the spike in blood sugars to go with the lows, but they gave no specific numbers. We'll see what they say. HUGS K

Yes!!!! But not post-op. I use to have those weird low blood sugar, hypoglycemic attacks too. Many years ago. I "passed out" a few time. Not completely incoherent, but completely unable to help myself in any capacity at all. One time I was alone. My husband came home and found me on the floor.....rushed me to the hospital. They said I was hypoglycemic. I had to carry something sugery with me at all times, because I only had minutes to respond when I felt that "hot flash, sweat, faint, weak, trembling hands, wobbly legs" feeling. It eventually went away and turned into a pre-diabetic condition. This is very common, I hear, for one to pre-empt the other. Good luck to you! Keep us posted on what this is. Love you Kimmy, C

I had those too!!! Pre-op that is. My doctor said I had reactive Hypoglycemia. It would happen after eating instead of when fasting or going a while without food. Now I'm getting the extremes on both spectrums. It's so weird and frustrating!! Anyway, thanks, and I'll let you know! HUGS K ps.......Love you too! And I'm still pissed that I won't be in Vegas. So depressing!

Happens to me all the time. My surgeon said that without all the fat, our pancreas' work so much better than when we were heavy. He said that when you eat something that may make you "dump" it makes your blood sugar spike (even a little bit can do the trick). Then instead of leveling off to a normal level it crashes to the bottom. Mine has gone as low as 60 and I will feel like crap. If I am really careful and eat mainly "good carbs", I have no problems at all when I do that. I saw a dietitian *****commended a light snack before bed to keep blood sugar levels stable throughout the night. Like a small glass of milk with a graham cracker or some yogurt and fruit. It has carbs , but they are considered good carbs ( as far as blood sugars go) and are essential for maintaining healthy levels. I am not trying to give any unwelcome advice, it's just that's what helped me. I hope this helps you as well. Please let us know what your Dr. says. I am curious to see if he and my Dr. agree. Best of luck!!