Low Sugars

I am sure that at some point this topic has been approached, but I wasn't around at that point...or don't remember.  Last night I went for a walk around 8 PM.  THen came home, got things ready and was in bed by 9:30.  I only walked for about 20 min.  Anyway...I had MAJOR trouble sleeping.  I finally knew something was wrong when I started sweating for no reason.  I checked my sugars and sure enough I was a 60.  Keep in mind, as a diabetic, I used to have lows, but haven't had any in over 3 years since I went on my insulin pump.  So now that I know it is possible for me to go low....what did everyone else do when they went low?  My endo prescribed a glucogon (not sure how to spell) kit for me, but I think she meant for when I go lower than a 60.  Anyway, the only thing I could think of last night was some mashed potatoes with a little cheese melted in so that way I wouldn't carb overload, and I would have a little protien to help the carbs not be absorbed as quickly as it would if I ate mashed potatoes alone.  This did bring me back up to an 84.  However, I won't always have mashed potatoes lying around in the fridge.  Any suggestions about what can be used at work, on plans, while traveling? 

since you're a couple months out..........you might wanna try having something whole grain lying around or keeping with you at all times.  You still get the carbs but they are not simple carbs like the mashed potatoes or chips or something like that.  Complex carbs burn slower which might be one thing to look out for but they have staying power.  I like whole grain crackers or a slice of bread.  What thins make a great whole grain cracker.....heck even triscuits (but i don't recommend you eat them by themselves unless you don't have trouble with them, I have issues with them that they need to be lubed before I eat them).

I think this is a great topic to bring up with your dietician.  They will be able to help you with choosing the right meals that will help you maintain a healthy blood glucose level.  I would actually recomend making an appointment to see both your endo and dietician as the surgery sounds like the surgery is helping your diabetes.  It's imperative your endo is kept in the loop when things like this happen.   Also, remember that if you do choose to use your glucagon use it early and to eat afterwards to help rebuild the glycogen stores in your liver.  Hopefully your endo explained all of this to you. 

Good luck!

Kevin (Critical Care Paramedic)

If I understand you correctly, you are still on an insulin pump? Make sure you get this adjusted frequently since your surgery now makes it a whole new ballgame. You are not going to need nearly as much insulin as you once did. Seriously, as others have said, stay in very close touch with your doctors, especially your endocrinologist, monitor more frequently, write it all down for documentation, and yeah, whole grain is going to be your best bet.

Hugs for healing! Insulin lows are scary but you are healing and this is part of it.

I have been in VERY close contact with my endo.  She is the best dr I could ask for.  However, she did not explain that I needed to eat after giving the shot.  She just told me that the shot was to use when I was low and not feeling well.  Also, I am so in tune with my body, I usually make all of my own adjustments with the pump.  For three years everytime I call to question what I should do it is the same thing I have already done.  Her words to me all the time is that I know what to do and when to do it.  So I've adjusted my pump basal rates so far and I'm sitting around 100.  Hopefully, it will continue to be good.  :)  I'm heading to a retreat this weekend alone (so I won't have S or my friends there that know what to do when I go low), so I'm trying to make sure I have snacks readily available for me.  WHat great timing, huh?  LOL  But overall, I'm happy, just another step closer to being off the pump.  :)

What I would use I wouldn't suggest you being a few months out. I was 62 one day and chugged some ginger ale. Ok, I was told to drink some pop that wasn't diet. Drank a little then tested and I doubled and felt better. Post-op I am not sure what to do since juice can make you dump.

Sounds like you doing well with your own adjustment, but perhaps  being tested again to see how you are doing might show that you might not need the pump anymore...I know I went off my diabetic meds completely almost a month post-op.

Good luck and hope it all works out for you!

Kristina

Many post-op RNYers, myself included, get reactive hypoglycemia (google it). 

Also, as you probably know, exercise allows glucose to be taken up by the cells without the need for insulin. 

Add those two things together you get a low blood glucose reading.

The prevailing thought is that one should eat a protein, fat, and complex carb to bring the sugars back up into the normal range.

If it happens again, try eating a bit of meat & complex carbs.  The carbs will bring the sugar up and the protein will keep it up.

And you're right, the glucogon is for the rare occassions when your sugars dip below 60.