Over the past year I've had these spells after I eat sometimes where I feel very out of it, cant hardly concentrate, etc. I saw my doctor and all the tests they did came out normal.I've never been diagnosed with diabetes, I'm thin, active, and have no other known risk factors.
Last month I had another spell after eating lunch, and I just so happened to test my blood sugar with a glucometer. My sugar was in the 60's. Again this was right after lunch.
Today I had another experience where I started feeling very weak and mentally out of it after eating lunch (half a turkey sandwich, cottage cheese with fruit) and a piece of birthday cake. I felt like I was having another hypoglycemic attack so I drank a small orange juice. I checked my sugar a little while later and it was only 88.
What could be causing these attacks suddenly? I've had my thyroid checked and the blood work was normal. My labs are always normal, and my A1C was normal.
I'm skeptical that if I go back to my doctor's they'll do anything about it at all because they'll just see normal labs.
Is there something in particular I should ask them to test me out for?
RN851 - This is a very interesting question. It sounds like you are describing functional or non-diabetic hypoglycemia. This type of low blood sugar can be caused by several things including pituitary or adrenal gland malfunction. It can also be caused by the pancreas secreting an excess of insulin in response to a meal which contains a large quantity carbohydrates. As you indicated that you had eaten a piece of cake in addition to your normal meal, it is possible that your body 'over reacted" to the sugar in the cake, secreted too much insulin which then lead to a lowering of your blood sugar. If this is the cause of your problem then the solution may be as simple as reducing the amount of carbohydrates in your meal in favor of a larger amount of protein (a little extra turkey and skip the birthday cake). I hope this helps you--good luck!!
ReplyDeleteSteve B - well..need to eat 4-6 meals a day...............high carbs,low starch,high protein..........may need insulin checked to rule out insulinoma..................
ReplyDeletesyl c. - You clearly have blood sugar imbalances, going from some moderate highs to lows. The weakness, out of it, lack of concentration, etc. is hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
ReplyDeleteYou need to visit your doctor and get a glucose intolerance test done. Share your symptoms with your doctor. I suggest the one that shows your glucose levels at 4 intervals 2-3 hours apart. You may be higher in the morning and then going low daytime. Eating unrefined foods, lean protein, and more veggies than starches are really important for you right now. Eating 5-6 small meals/snacks should be your pattern. Drink plenty of water. Try to exercise even walking 3X a day for 30 min will help stabilize glucose levels.
Add more protein. Beans have a good source of plant protein and fibers that stick with you longer and break down into sugar (as all food eventually does) in your blood stream more slowly. This is a good thing, as you won't get a low blood sugar nearly as quickly. Try to avoid candy, juices, etc. are all turned into blood sugar very fast; they don't stick with you. I know this is very hard but try to do it slowly eating less and less everyday. You will see how you will feel better following these tips. Think of these simple sugars as very short term fuel. Eating correctly will help you straighten this out.
Hope this helps.