CP - Hypoglycemic

After much discussion yesterday my Dr has decided I'm now hypoglycemic.

My blood sugar hasn't dropped alarming low, but low for me is lower 60's. For the past two weeks every afternoon between 4-5 I start getting shaky and very hungry feeling, something I never have unless I've just finished exercising. She says hypoglycemia usually follows a pattern, like mine every afternoon.

After work last night I stopped by Trader Joe's to pick up some things and before I got out of the car I tested myself. I was 62, and starting to feel it. They always have samples of something and yesterday it was curry chicken, so I had some.  Finished my shopping then went off to the DR.

She asked what I had done when it dropped and I told her about the chicken. "Perfect", was her response. She doesn't want me drinking orange juice or eating anything super high in sugars unless it's below 50, otherwise she said my blood sugar will spike up and then crash rapidly. So when I feel that way protein is the perfect thing to reach for.

I was diabetic for over 10 years and was so excited when it was controlled by loosing weight. Now this! Oh well, could be worse. At least this is something I can manage.

So it was as you suspected - sorry to hear that Jan!

At least you know what's going on and how to manage it.  I wonder what it is about WLS that causes some folks to become hypoglycemic....  Perhaps additional research in the future will tell.   Make sure you keep stuff with you and/or in your car, so you don't wind up in trouble.  One of my girlfriends is diabetic and she's not always prepared when her sugar drops too low.  It's been scary a couple times, so I'm always asking her if she's eaten, does she have granola bars in the car, has she replaced her glucose tablets, etc.  I'm sure she thinks I'm a nag, but I worry...   Keep us posted on how you're doing -  Kellie

Thanks Kellie, I'll do my very best! I grew up with a best friend that  at age 6 we learned she was diabetic, we were friends for 43 years, she past away less than two years ago. I had been with her through many insulin reactions, so I sorta knew what to watch for. More than anything I knew I didn't feel right. I always carry individual packages of jerky with me and Kay's Natural's too. I have them in the car and at work. They are also always in the suitcase when I travel.

My Dr said low 60's really isn't considered that low, for most people it's normal. Since I was a diabetic with high blood sugars, my low might not be as low as others. She said I know my body well enough to be able to tell the difference and she'll listen to me.

She also told me not to go more than 3 hours without eating a protein snack, and when I exercise a small amount of protein both before and after.

Sorry hon, but it sounds like you have a good handle on it. I am the same way, it hits me more in the afternoon. In the mornings I can go a few hours after I wake up without eating, but I always eat right before and after working out - i find that can trigger a low for me if I don't. I'm living proof that you can live a normal life with this crazy thing. I sometimes have to get creative when I'm hiking or snowshoeing and I have already planned out what to do at camp in case I have problems. i prefer not be stuck in the middle of nowhere with no food, so I take enough food to feed an army when I get out in the mountains!  Everyone I hike with laughs at me but I'm a bit paranoid Good luck! Pam

You are proof and I so appreciate you sharing your life with us Pam!

Aaaaaaaaaaawwwwww Jan, I can imagine you are thinking...what next?  Knowledge is power, so at least you know how to deal with this to prevent bad reactions.  Keep your chin up hon...the future is bright!  HUGS  Jeanine

Your so right Jeanine - knowledge is power, what a great thing to remember!

It sounds like what the doctor is having you do is the same as what I did before my surgery. I am also diabetic, but no longer on meds. I decided to keep my diet the same though, and if I even go near carbs of a certain type or over a certain mg on healthy ones, I can feel the blood sugar swing. I'm just glad I don't have to be around them so it is easier to forget about it. -Julie

Hey Jan,  Sucks!  I know I have had it for years.  The surgery didn't change it much, But now its harder to over do the carbs so I don't crash nearly as bad as I used too.  I know that if we stay away from carbs its never an issue ( for me anyway) Which I completely suck at these days.   Your good so you will do well,  The hardest part for me was understanding the emotions around the low blood sugar but since you had diabetes before you probably understand all that.  Good Luck  Estelle