Hypoglycemia: Real? Testable?

[tic chick]

i have read that many doctors do not believe that hypoglycemia can exist by itself, that it is only a result of a reaction to too much insulin or other problem associated with diabetes.

since there is no hypoglycemia forum, i came here.

i know that a definitive test exists for diabetes. is there a test that exists for hypoglycemia?

any help would be appreciated.

thanks,
jeannie

[Buttons2]

First let me say I know people with this condition that are NOT diabetic. People using insulin or Metforim can get their blood sugar too low. Diabetic's that skip meals risk this also,or if we eat something high in sugar (like having ice cream & cake at a BD party for instance). BS spikes then falls rapidly. But I'm sure you know all that.

As for a test? If hypoglycemia isn't corrected it can become severe & affect the brain. It's called neuroglycopenia "too little glucose to the brain".Or can cause death also.I'd say the only test would be checking the blood sugar.

Does this help? I have books on diabetes & can provide more info if you want. One big risk is that when the BS gets too low the person might not notice,they might argue if you see the signs & they don't. Do you know the signs to look for? I'll be glad to provide a list if you need it.

Hope this helps,Buttons

[tic chick]

thanks a lot, buttons!

yes, this helps.

thanks for telling me about neuroglycopenia, too.

i have read about hypoglycemia on the internet and know how you can control it. i was just puzzled from my reading that they didn't seem to have a specific test for it.

i'm going to read more, when i have the time.

hope you're having a good day!
jeannie

[Buttons2]

One thing I want to point out: when a diabetic has low blood sugar they will argue about it,I've seen this many times. You sometimes have to literally shove a banana at their mouth! I always carry high protein snacks whenever I go anywhere,string cheese for instance. One big clue to low blood sugar is sudden outbursts of anger! People will snap at you......I know cause I've done it myself. Sure you might be feeling weak,shaky,etc. but it's usually an outburst of some kind that's the big clue-need to eat something!

Also I've THOUGHT I had low BS & checked it,was just fine,but still I felt shaky/weak. So not always sensible what happens within our bodies! My father takes Metforim,his readings are in the 70's,if I went that low I'd be too weak to even test myself. So always keep in mind each person is different......

[littleshelly]

I am glad to see this post. Hypoglycemia is real. My endocrinologist put me on Metformin. My blood sugar levels are usually in the 60-70 and I get shaky, confused, irritated. I am pretty much hungry all the time and think about food constantly. I crave sugars and carbs and If I let myself would eat 10 times a day. I am hoping the Metformin helps. Only been on it for 5 days. Has anyone else been on it. What kind of success did you have? Did your cravings stop, did you loose/gain weight?

[Buttons2]

Yes I tried it,wanted to lose weight. I quit it after just a few days,it made my legs cramp. I suggest you google side effects of Metforim,you might be surprised how many different reactions a person can have.

good luck

[mrsdoubtfyre]

hypoglycemia shows up on the longer version of the GTT test....

It is a reactive low, below baseline for a period of time.

Hypoglycemia commonly precedes pre-diabetes and type II.

It is associated with insulin resistance.
examples:
http://www.anitaflegg.com/Oct112002.htm

http://www.ei-resource.org/illness-information/related-conditions/hypoglycemia-&-insulin-resistance/

This site gives graphs and marks the ones that are hypoglycemic:

http://hypoglykemie.nl/gtt.htm

[BlackCat1983]

Hi,

I was wandering what a normal blood sugar should run and what would be consider to low. I havent been tested so am not sure if I am hypoglycemia but tonight my husband tested my blood sugar at 7:02 PM and it was 86 (didnt figure that was bad) I ate dinner and had at least 2 glasses of Sprite and tested it again at 10:08 and it was 78 (that to me seemed a little low??)
Thanks for any help you can give me on this

You can email me at erica_beatty1983@yahoo.com or send me a private message or post here.

Erica

[Buttons2]

How did you feel at 78? You didn't say it was diet Sprite so you had alot of sugar! Also didn't mention what the meal consisted of. You might have spiked about 1/2 hr after the meal & then crashed.

As I've said before I think "normal" is different for each of us. There are quidelines of course,and your meter should tell you what they are. If you ever feel a reading is off please retest. Sometimes the meter is wacky or the test strip didn't get enough blood even though you got a reading. Just my 2 cents.