Question:
Low sugar

I was at school yesterday and I was getting very shakey and not feeling like myself. I told my brother about it and he said my sugar was low. As soon as I got home I ate a banana and it seemed to help a bit. My question is, when that happens and I don't have a banana around, what can I eat to raise my sugar? By the way I am 6 months post op from RNY.    — Nina15137 (posted on December 2, 2009)

December 2, 2009
You need to start carrying around the glucose tablets. They taste horrible, but are easy to carry. Also, start making sure you have a snack or something to eat every 2-3 hours. Make it predominantly protein, with a bit of complex carbs, and very little in simple carbs. Low blood sugar is NOT something to play around with.
   — Andrea U.

December 2, 2009
Christina, you must not be diabetic, we deal with "going low" all the time! The previous answer was right about protein... spacing out your protein meals will help even out your blood sugar to avoid the lows. I would worry about taking glucose tabs after RNY surgery, you might "dump."
   — Greg K.

December 2, 2009
Hi there, are you skipping meals while your in school? If I wait too long to eat this happens to me and I almost passed out a couple of times. I waited or skipped a meal when I was busy and then after I ate I felt this way. My doctor said my blood sugar was spiking since I wasnt eating at specific times and suggested eating snacks and not skip or postpone a meal. I keep beef jerky or fiber bars on me or in my car always with my extra water bottles!! You should ask your Nut or Dr about this. Not sure the banana is the right thing as it will cause it to spike and then crash again??? Not sure but I think the carbs/sugar in it would cause that. Good Luck
   — ToniLee

December 3, 2009
I am almost 5 years out from surgery and still have "low sugar" issues when I don't eat right. If I don't get my protein and/or eat simple carbs, I can count on having a sugar drop. I carry peanuts with me. But when I am home I drink a glass of milk. My daughter is a type 1 diabetic and that is what her dietician told her when she has low sugar issues is to drink a glass of milk......skim of course. Actually the milk works better for me than the peanuts. Usually after 15 minutes of drinking the milk, I am feeling better....peanuts do work but take a little longer. Be careful with your blood sugars, it is nothing to play with.
   — Janet H.

December 3, 2009
The banana might have made you feel better, not because of sugar levels, but because it contains potassium. This is also another cause of the shakes that most people are not aware of. If I were you I would go to see my doctor and have some blood work done to make sure it's not your potassium levels that are out of whack as this is an important element for your sodium/potassium pump and the functionality of your entire nervous system.
   — Dandy_DeeDee

December 3, 2009
Thank you everyone for your answers. I really appreciate them! :)
   — Nina15137