Question:
I have been getting the shakes and feeling woosey. Sugar seems to help.

I seemed to have noticed about May that just about like clockwork, every now and then, my body reacts in a way that reminds me of a diabetic problem. What is it? I seem to need to eat something with sugar to rid my self of this lousy feeling.    — Stephanie N. (posted on October 9, 2002)

October 9, 2002
It sounds like you are Hypoglycemic. If I remember correctly, it is low blood sugar. I would talk to your nutritionist or surgeon about it, and they can suggest what you can do to get rid of that icky feeling. :o)
   — fropunka

October 9, 2002
I don't have much to add here except that I get it too. And it's only since having surgery...I'm thinking hypoglycemia(sp) I have an apt with my primary this month and plan on talking to her about it. I've learned to keep a few hard candies on me in case it happens while I'm out, otherwise I feel like I'm going to black out. If I let it go too long I end up binging on sweets...then dump...nasty little situation. I can go weeks without a problem then I have weeks where it may happen 2-3X. Good luck! -Kim open RNY 7/17/01 -134
   — KimBo36

October 9, 2002
It could be hypoglycemia, which is low blood sugar. I was just dianosed with it. But you should have your dr test you to make sure that is your problem...good luck
   — Deanna Wise

October 10, 2002
I was diabetic before surgery and now tend to have low blood sugar. I can feel it coming on and my Dr. told me to have a spoon full of Peanut Butter, that this was much better than candy, because the PB stayed in your system longer and regulated your sugar. But like the others said, check with your Dr.
   — Gail M.

October 10, 2002
The above are all probably right. I have become hypoglycemic. The systoms you have sound right, it is hard to fine info on hypo and you do not follow what a diabetic does. First, when you find you are woosy and lightheaded and posibly fuzzyheaded, not able to focus, shakey, check with a person in your office who is diabetic, maybe they will test your sugar. Talk ahead. I went through the glucose test which is not the recommended way now. My blood sugar goes as low as 45 which is passing out level. It is just as dangerous. I eat every 3 hrs, the ideal diet is high protein, low carbs but pasta and bread work for me as some hypo's will tell you for them also. If my sugar get under 60, I take a glucose tablet, purchasable at the drug store which is much better than food and you do not give a hypo orange juice or candy. What happens is our body makes to much insulin when we eat sugar and then bottoms out. Most days I am fine with just eating something every couple hrs, it keeps my levels constant. I have had to give up most juices but have have stuck with v8. I have learned to bypass the candy and if I want a sweet, have a cookie or a pasty that is low in sugar but not until after 4 in afternoon or shortly after a meal. I have even found Edy's no sugar added ice cream is an ok treat once in a while. I read labels and keep sugar under 5-7 grs. Stay away from simple sugars, candy, gooey icing. I also eat within an hr of rising in am, oatmeal has become my stable breakfast. Hope this helps, there is info on internet but no much about diet. I found a cheap $8.00 test kit at Sam's, recommed by pharmacist but strips and needles are expensive but worth the money. With an official diagnosis some insurance will pay for kit.
   — Elizabeth K.

October 11, 2002
Thank you all! That is exactly what I was afraid of. I have been wreckless with the sugar intake anyway because I am pregnant. That explains the the bottoming-out. I will ask my Dr. about this and know where to go from here. The previous poster was so detailed and helpful, I just appreciate it.
   — Stephanie N.