Low Blood Sugar

I just posted to the main board, but i figure i would post my question here.  Since surgery - 4 years in Aug.  my sugar bottoms out.  i get into the low 50's,  i dont even know what is the danger number.  Anyone else out there like me? Gina

Seems to be something that a lot of people here deal with.  I haven't started testing mine to know the numbers gonna start using DH's meter to see.  I've noticed it several times and sort of just endure it till it passes.  It would be very interesting to know what exactly they worry about for danger numbers.  Hope others will post here soon. Molly

I know that a few people have issues with this... I have not; however, my last labs showed my glucose at 65, which is borderline low... so I reckon I need to keep watching it closely, huh? You should get some more replies tomorrow... I know that reactive hypoglycemia has been discussed here...  Angie

I've been having issues with this for the last month and half.  Both times it happened at night, right before we were fixing to go to bed.  I got all the symptoms, the brain fog, shaking, sweats, etc.  I searched reactive hypoglycemia here on the boards and read up on what I need to do.  I've followed the "in moderation" thing since my surgery, which has been 14 months ago.  This is an issue I can prevent.  From what I've read, I need to eat every three hours, eat healthy carbs, cut out sugar as much as possible (minimal quantities), and continue exercising.  When I read that what I'm experiencing could be late dumping because of my insulin levels struggling to get back into whack, I realized that just because I don't feel any effects from eating a nutrigrain bar with 13 grams of sugar at the moment, what I'm experiencing an hour or two later, could be late dumping (in one way or another).  <----wow, that's a long sentence with a lot of commas, lol, sorry. Anyway, I know this is in my hands and i have to do something.  The shakes, the increased hungry, the brain fog............I can't take it.  It's sort of a wake up call and I've got to do something.  Anyway, this has been my experience.

Gina, I had officially been diagnosed with hypoglycemia after a 9 hour glucose intollerence test ~1 yr post-op. The lowest my sugar has been is 44. What kept me from passing out, I have no idea. I now avoid anything high starch...potatoes, pasta, 'white' anything, corn, peas. I also keep glucose tablets with me at all times (and no, they do not make you dump). I usually need to chew up three of them to get my sugar back where it should be. Do NOT try to do this with sugar or starches...you'll just get on a yo-yo with your sugar levels if you do and will end up feeling like crap. I am able to control mine fairly well just by watching what foods I eat. My endocrinologist said that this is a very common side effect of RNY surgery. Because of the symptoms, it really makes me wonder how many people who think they 'dump' are actually having a low sugar episode. Sherri

Hi Sherri,

My doc wants me to fast for as long a possible.  I am guessing more than the 12 hours, however, do you have any idea if i can have water.  I drink a lot of water.  I think i can do without the food but not the liquids. Thanks Gina

Gina, What is the purpose of the fasting? Is it so you can be tested? Water typically doesn't  effect lab tests....just food does. I know when I do the 'fasting' tests (ie, my thyroid tests, glucose, etc), I drink water. Sherri

I have to take blood tests,  I kept a log of my blood sugar levels and she wants me to be tested.  she wants me to fast for as long as possible.  But i cant go withou****er.  And i dont think i can drink that sugary stuff.  I would go into a coma.  I dump really really bad with sugar. thank God for that Gina

Gina, I had to do the 9 hour glucose test. I also dump, but had no problem with the drink..other than it causing my sugars to fluctuate..thus proving the hypoglycemia. I was able to drink water pre-testing. Be sure you bring a book with you because they don't like for you to leave the lab area. I guess they're afraid you'll go get a cheeseburger or something! LOL!  Good luck. I hope the tests show the doctor what is going on. Sherri

Sherri, a few questions for you since you have been dealing with this.  How do I go about testing my blood sugars...I mean, what are the guidelines for how often and when you do it.  Just when you feel low and cruddy or after meals or what??  I am going to use DH's unused meter (he's pre-diabetic and totally ignores it) and get some readings going to see whether or not I need to discuss this with my pcp or surgeon.  After all, it definitely could be just delayed dumping too.  Thanks!   Molly