Question:
What can you do when your blood sugar drops to 41?

I've read the posts in the library, but didn't see any numbers as low as 41. I tried eating more frequent meals and that has helped some, but am still so sleepy. All I want to do is sleep. I am taking all my vitamins, iron, B12 shots and sublingual, drinking 64 oz.of water. I have been eating mostly all protein with a few carbs and keeping sugar way low. I started at 291 and am 130 now. I had RNY 5/02. Please help with suggestions. I go to my PCP today and would like to have some ideas for him as he knows very little about bypass surgery. Can't call my surgeon (read my profile) so am depending on all of you for help. Thanks so much. This board is my best education resource.    — cfstevens (posted on November 13, 2003)

November 12, 2003
Cheryl I had the same problem as you because I was not eating anything sometimes for a day or so. I was told by my Dr that I had to eat atleast one good meal a day and it had to include CARBS because they will keep my sugar up. I also have to carry a shot with me in case my sugar drops so low that I cannot eat and no one can get any food in me. The shot is not for me to give myself it is for someone else to give incase I pass out from low blood sugar levels. Mine hit a low of 40 twice and I was not even able to talk so it saved my butt from going into a coma from low sugar levels or even worse. Good luck and dont let this go untreated because low sugar is worse than high levels. Tony
   — tonyskid

November 12, 2003
I have problems with low blood sugar and they told me to make sure my protein is spread pretty evenly throughout the day. I was doing a large portion of it early in the day and crashing in late afternoon. Moderate use of carbs help, but I don't use a lot of carbs because it just stimulates my hunger when I do. I stick to protein and the "good carbs" like fruits and veggies, instead of crackers and breads and it works for me. My blood sugar stays in the 60-100 range most of the time.
   — Cathy S.

November 12, 2003
Be sure to keep some glucose tablets with you too. They are like a candy, but they are intended to boost your blood sugar, should it get too low. I buy mine at Rite Aid or WalMart, all drug stores carry them. They come in a tube and are fruit flavored. I think 4 pieces is one dose. They work quickly to raise your blood sugar. Take care of yourself. Sandra
   — SandyParker

November 12, 2003
You may want to do some research on managing hypoglycemia. I've done a little as I experienced this during pregnancy. The goal was to keep your blood sugar levels as steady as possible.. limit refined carbs (white flour, white sugar), as it will cause a crash. Use whole grain or whole food carbs, and eat them with a protein. Eat small meals throughout the day. There are some books online you can purchase, and I've gotten some at the local library as well. I've seen people post on the yahoo grad list about this too. Seems like it's not uncommon post-op. You may get some good ideas over there. I remember alot of people recommended peanut butter crackers during an episode.
   — mom2jtx3

November 13, 2003
I just had surgery on 11/4, and am a Type I diabetic, so can relate to the problem. Since I've been home, Ive had two occasions when my blood sugar has been below 50 (49 and 47). One thing I've found has helped is to make sure I get plenty of milk or milk products (yogurt, Carnation Instant Breakfast, pudding, etc.). These take a little longer to break down, and seem to keep my levels more steady. Good luck with regulating it...I know it can be exhausting!
   — Shelly M.

November 13, 2003
Oh boy. I could write a book on this one. I have been dealing with this since my WLS 18 months ago. I was type two. My profile goes into my pancreatitis caused by hyperlipidemia and dibetes. Highest BG was in the 600's. Read my profile for more about that. Anyway.... <br> I would bet you are having reactive hypoglycemia. You need to see an enodchrinologist that is educated about WLS. They should try a 72 hour fast to see where you are at. Also, check your insulin levels. And a C-peptide check. <br>There are a lot of possiblities with this one. I would recommend a great website: <br>http://www.medlineplus.org/ <br> please email me if you'd like. like I said, I have been dealing with this for a while, but really have not had a lot of luck. Just had to kind of "deal" with it ;) <br> take care,<br> shelli
   — kultgirl