Jump to content
  • Welcome to Celiac.com!

    You have found your celiac tribe! Join us and ask questions in our forum, share your story, and connect with others.




  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A1):



    Celiac.com Sponsor (A1-M):


  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Our Content
    eNewsletter
    Donate

Food Sensitivity Tied To Hypoglycemia?


pghkid33

Recommended Posts

pghkid33 Rookie

Hi all. I am a 22 yo male who was diagnosed with celiac late summer 2011, but have been having digestive issues, and other issues that have sent me to the ER 3x in the past month (don't appear to be gluten-induced as my iga was only 1.8). The first time I went in with a racing heart / weakness following multiple BMs. There was an abnormal ECG apparently, but echo and stress test were done and I was told my heart was fine and discharged the next day that time. The digestive issue is that I seem to be pooping out everything I've eaten the previous day. I also feel very weak and shaky, nose starts running and I can't focus when this happens. I've had migraines as well. I am thinking it may be a food sensitivity. The times I ended up in the hospital my potassium was low. I've had various other tests done but nothing seemed to be out of sort except for low vitamin d (26) which I have been supplementing. This past week I was at the doc's office, and had a morning appointment (which is when I'm getting sick) and had multiple BMs at the office. Some blood tests were ordered, and I was told everything was normal again, minus the vitamin d. However, today I received my copy of the test results in the mail and my non-fasting blood glucose level was low - 54, with normal range being 65-139. I had been tested twice previously about a month ago and glucose was fine. Does anyone know if there can be any sort of relationship between a food sensitivity and being hypoglycemic?


Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):



Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):



pricklypear1971 Community Regular

Yes. Someone else posted here within the last six months with an eerily similar story. Search and you may find it.

But the bigger picture is why this is happening.

You need to read about how to manage hypoglycemia and see what works for you.

On top of that, I advise having your thyroid screened for autoimmune thyroid disease paying particular attention to free t3 and reverse t3: the conversion if t3 by your thyroid and t3 levels. When my t3 was low past a certain point it stressed my adrenals and I was in a vicious hypoglycemic loop. Too little t3, bad. Too much t3, also very bad.

You also may look into adrenal support- supplaments, etc. there's a feedback loop between adrenals, cortisol and glucose. If you are hungry, adrenals start sending messages that lead to hypoglycemic feeling (for me, anyway).

Do NOT fast.

pghkid33 Rookie

Yes. Someone else posted here within the last six months with an eerily similar story. Search and you may find it.

But the bigger picture is why this is happening.

You need to read about how to manage hypoglycemia and see what works for you.

On top of that, I advise having your thyroid screened for autoimmune thyroid disease paying particular attention to free t3 and reverse t3: the conversion if t3 by your thyroid and t3 levels. When my t3 was low past a certain point it stressed my adrenals and I was in a vicious hypoglycemic loop. Too little t3, bad. Too much t3, also very bad.

You also may look into adrenal support- supplaments, etc. there's a feedback loop between adrenals, cortisol and glucose. If you are hungry, adrenals start sending messages that lead to hypoglycemic feeling (for me, anyway).

Do NOT fast.

Thanks for reply. I believe I have had my TSH level tested, but doc told me that free t3 wouldn't tell me anything? I forget his rational, but I trusted him at the time... Still waiting to hear result of cortisol test, that should be telling, no? I have a colonoscopy scheduled next Tuesday and now I'm a little afraid to go through all of that prep and whatnot without eating much...

pricklypear1971 Community Regular

Your doctor is a thyroid idiot.

Your body converts inactive t4 to the active t3. If you don't have t4 to make t3, or if the process is broken...you have a thyroid problem.

TSH is a measure if pituitary feedback. This link will explain the basics of why it generally sucks as a diagnostic tool. Yeah, there's quite a bit to raise your eyebrows about STTM site, but it will give you the basics. Open Original Shared Link

As an example, at dx my TSH was 5.6 which was .10 "high" by the lab range and I had a zillion symptoms of hypothyroidism. On thyroid meds, my TSH has been almost 0 to 8 - and I don't feel better if it's almost 0 - I feel better when my free t's go up - which may or may not correlate to a low TSH.

Anyway, if you are hypoglycemic it's worth looking into. Thyroid definitely affects glucose levels.

If you have a colonoscopy you must fast. Explain your hypoglycemia to your doctor and when you get to the facility. I don't know his they will handle it, but they need to know what has happened and could happen. Make sure you don't try to drive yourself. Eat steady protein and fiber prior to fasting and have some of your most steadying food ready to eat as soon as you can.

pghkid33 Rookie

Your doctor is a thyroid idiot.

Your body converts inactive t4 to the active t3. If you don't have t4 to make t3, or if the process is broken...you have a thyroid problem.

TSH is a measure if pituitary feedback. This link will explain the basics of why it generally sucks as a diagnostic tool. Yeah, there's quite a bit to raise your eyebrows about STTM site, but it will give you the basics. Open Original Shared Link

As an example, at dx my TSH was 5.6 which was .10 "high" by the lab range and I had a zillion symptoms of hypothyroidism. On thyroid meds, my TSH has been almost 0 to 8 - and I don't feel better if it's almost 0 - I feel better when my free t's go up - which may or may not correlate to a low TSH.

Anyway, if you are hypoglycemic it's worth looking into. Thyroid definitely affects glucose levels.

If you have a colonoscopy you must fast. Explain your hypoglycemia to your doctor and when you get to the facility. I don't know his they will handle it, but they need to know what has happened and could happen. Make sure you don't try to drive yourself. Eat steady protein and fiber prior to fasting and have some of your most steadying food ready to eat as soon as you can.

Yeah, I think one thing I have learned is to trust the specialists - I went to a nutritionist who said to get the T3 and T4 tested but the doc would not. Doc also seems to think my symptoms are mostly anxiety, which (ironically) is causing some anxiety / driving me nuts. I'll make sure to communicate about the hypoglycemia. Honestly don't even want to have the colonoscopy b/c the only thing they are really looking for is microscopic colitis.

pricklypear1971 Community Regular

Thyroid is tied to anxiety, as well as celiac.

It can also cause stomach upset....

I don't think anyone ever WANTS a colonoscopy :).

mamaw Community Regular

Pghkid13------------------------------------  just  curious  are  you from Pittsburgh?


Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):



Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):



pghkid33 Rookie

Pghkid13------------------------------------  just  curious  are  you from Pittsburgh?

Yup - south hills! you?

pricklypear1971 Community Regular

Look what I found. A study about t3/rt3 and insulin resistance.

Open Original Shared Link

And this is interesting reading about insukin resistance, hypoglycemia, and mentions food allergies. Open Original Shared Link

mamaw Community Regular

Pghkid13-------------------------- butler. I'm  the founder  of a  gluten free  support  group... I also run a  mini gluten-free  coop  for  our members...I  test  market  for  gluten-free &  travel about for  gluten-free... If  you need  any help  or  have  questions let me know......

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Celiac.com:
    Donate

  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):
    Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):





    Celiac.com Sponsors (A17-M):




  • Recent Activity

    1. - ShariW commented on Scott Adams's article in Frequently Asked Questions About Celiac Disease
      4

      What are Celiac Disease Symptoms?

    2. - klmgarland replied to klmgarland's topic in Dermatitis Herpetiformis
      2

      Help I’m cross contaminating myself,

    3. - Scott Adams replied to klmgarland's topic in Dermatitis Herpetiformis
      2

      Help I’m cross contaminating myself,

    4. - Scott Adams replied to Jmartes71's topic in Coping with Celiac Disease
      1

      My only proof

    5. - Scott Adams replied to Colleen H's topic in Related Issues & Disorders
      1

      Methylprednisone treatment for inflammation?


  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):



  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      131,908
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748

    ebrown
    Newest Member
    ebrown
    Joined

  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):


  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121.4k
    • Total Posts
      1m

  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):





  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):



  • Who's Online (See full list)

    • There are no registered users currently online
  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • klmgarland
      Thank you so very much Scott.  Just having someone understand my situation is so very helpful.  If I have one more family member ask me how my little itchy skin thing is going and can't you just take a pill and it will go away and just a little bit of gluten can't hurt you!!!! I think I will scream!!
    • Scott Adams
      It is difficult to do the detective work of tracking down hidden sources of cross-contamination. The scenarios you described—the kiss, the dish towel, the toaster, the grandbaby's fingers—are all classic ways those with dermatitis herpetiformis might get glutened, and it's a brutal learning curve that the medical world rarely prepares you for. It is difficult to have to deal with such hyper-vigilance. The fact that you have made your entire home environment, from makeup to cleaners, gluten-free is a big achievement, but it's clear the external world and shared spaces remain a minefield. Considering Dapsone is a logical and often necessary step for many with DH to break the cycle of itching and allow the skin to heal while you continue your detective work; it is a powerful tool to give you back your quality of life and sleep. You are not failing; you are fighting an incredibly steep battle. For a more specific direction, connecting with a dedicated celiac support group (online or locally) can be invaluable, as members exchange the most current, real-world tips for avoiding cross-contamination that you simply won't find in a pamphlet. You have already done the hardest part by getting a correct diagnosis. Now, the community can help you navigate the rest. If you have DH you will likely also want to avoid iodine, which is common in seafoods and dairy products, as it can exacerbate symptoms in some people. This article may also be helpful as it offers various ways to relieve the itch:  
    • Scott Adams
      It's very frustrating to be dismissed by medical professionals, especially when you are the one living with the reality of your condition every day. Having to be your own advocate and "fight" for a doctor who will listen is an exhausting burden that no one should have to carry. While that 1998 brochure is a crucial piece of your personal history, it's infuriating that the medical system often requires more contemporary, formal documentation to take a condition seriously. It's a common and deeply unfair situation for those who were diagnosed decades ago, before current record-keeping and testing were standard. You are not alone in this struggle.
    • Scott Adams
      Methylprednisolone is sometimes prescribed for significant inflammation of the stomach and intestines, particularly for conditions like Crohn's disease, certain types of severe colitis, or autoimmune-related gastrointestinal inflammation. As a corticosteroid, it works by powerfully and quickly suppressing the immune system's inflammatory response. For many people, it can be very effective at reducing inflammation and providing rapid relief from symptoms like pain, diarrhea, and bleeding, often serving as a short-term "rescue" treatment to bring a severe flare under control. However, experiences can vary, and its effectiveness depends heavily on the specific cause of the inflammation. It's also important to be aware that while it can work well, it comes with potential side effects, especially with longer-term use, so it's typically used for the shortest duration possible under close medical supervision. It's always best to discuss the potential benefits and risks specific to your situation with your gastroenterologist.
    • Scott Adams
      Based on what you've described, it is absolutely possible you are dealing with non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS).  Approximately 10x more people have non-celiac gluten sensitivity than have celiac disease, but there isn’t yet a test for NCGS. If your symptoms go away on a gluten-free diet it would likely signal NCGS.   Your situation is a classic presentation: a negative celiac panel but a clear, recurring pattern of symptoms triggered by gluten. The symptoms you listed—particularly the extreme fatigue, bloating, neurological-psychiatric symptoms like depression and anxiety, and even the skin manifestations like facial flushing—are all well-documented in research on NCGS. It's important to know that you are not alone in experiencing this specific combination of physical and emotional reactions. The only way to know for sure is to commit to a strict, 100% gluten-free diet under the guidance of a doctor or dietitian for a period of several weeks to see if your symptoms significantly improve. It is also crucial to rule out other potential causes, so discussing these symptoms with a gastroenterologist is a very important next step.
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

NOTICE: This site places This site places cookies on your device (Cookie settings). on your device. Continued use is acceptance of our Terms of Use, and Privacy Policy.