Question:
I am 48 yr. old man, 286 lbs...With TYPE 1 Diabetes since age 12

I also have sleep apnea. I will NOT be able to function without insulin as I am type 1...I produce NO insulin...how will I be able to manage hypoglycemia --- low blood sugar if excercising or stressed or late for a meal and need to IMMEDIATELY elevate blood sugar levels so I do not go into insulin shock? I am concerned that taking chewable glucose tablets or such will cause dumping --- what is the experience of other TYPE 1 Diabetics please.....thank you...I am scheduled for RNY in October.. greetings and best wishes to all - Barry    — barry H. (posted on September 16, 2002)

September 16, 2002
Barry: You might consider BPD/DS instead of an RNY. Since the pyloric sphincter is left intact with a DS, we don't dump. Our food choices are virtually unrestricted, but we must emphasize protein. We can have sweets in moderation. Good luck with whatever you decide to do. I would also suggest carrying some protein dense food with you--such as peanut butter crackers.
   — dantevolta

September 16, 2002
You are real unusual. That is Type one usually prevents MO. Your so unusual you need to research this with your surgeon, but RNYs can eat sweets. Dumping just limits the quanties. My surgeon has had patients like you and said the weight loss will make managing the type one much easier. Our surgeon has a ONINE support group mewetimng monthly with streaming video ands e mail questions. You might attend the meeting on the net and ask about this question since your situation is unusual. <P> If you want this question to get more exposure just copy and paste your original question in the body of a reply like this<P> I am 48 yr. old man, 286 lbs...With TYPE 1 Diabetes since age 12 I also have sleep apnea. I will NOT be able to function without insulin as I am type 1...I produce NO insulin...how will I be able to manage hypoglycemia --- low blood sugar if excercising or stressed or late for a meal and need to IMMEDIATELY elevate blood sugar levels so I do not go into insulin shock? I am concerned that taking chewable glucose tablets or such will cause dumping --- what is the experience of other TYPE 1 Diabetics please.....thank you...I am scheduled for RNY in October.. greetings and best wishes to all - Barry
   — bob-haller

September 16, 2002
I am not diabetic, but have the low blood sugar now & then. I carry the glucose tablets with me. The way it appears to work is if you are low in sugar, the sudden infusion of it only seems to "right the wrong". I used to try to correct them with those tiny one-bite candy bars. 5 would stop an attack. HOWEVER, if I got stupid when I was fine, 2 would make me dump. I have since learned that a treat is not a good way to stop an attack. I don't LIKE glucose tabs, so there is no danger that I'll get into them at other times.
   — vitalady

September 16, 2002
I was Type II pre-op, but now I get hypoglycemic very easily. I had Lap RNY, and dump very easily, even from glucose tablets. I am very interested to see what other answers pop up here as I have not found a good solution to being hypoglycemic yet. Docs say small, frequent meals, but I am afraid that my weight loss will not be as successful that way. Good luck, Barry! -Shelli (4-18-02 Lap RNY, -74#)
   — kultgirl

September 17, 2002
Barry: I have been a very brittle type 1 diabetic for over 10 years now. I too produce no insulin. My blood sugars run from the low 30's to 500+. When I have the low's, I able able to eat several of the gluco-tabs. This is the best and fastest way to get my sugar level back up. I had lap surgery on 11-8-01 and have lost 103 lbs thus far. I am about 13 lbs. from goal. I still deal with high and low blood sugars on a daily basis. Any question, please let me know. Take care and good luck!
   — Lori K.

September 18, 2002
I am in the boat with you (see my Q on 9/18/02) I do not have a surgery date yet, but would love to share info. Please keep up your bio and I will too. Best of luck to you!
   — Nancy G.