Low Blood Sugar?

[TiffersAnn]

I've been gluten free for nearly 8 months now and on two occasions now my blood sugar levels have dropped soo much that I passed out once, and almost passed out another. My eating habits haven't changed... but I randomly check my sugar levels and they are relatively low. (ex: I had a Red Bull and an hour later my glucose level was only 74)

I had read several articles stating that the body needs recovery time (obviously) but they all said that after 6 months my body should level off again to 'normal'. It stated that Celiac bodies were used to working harder to obtain energy... and that when I'm gluten free, it's still working just as fast when it doesn't need to anymore... so this is why my sugar levels might be low. ????

Has anyone else experienced this? It freaked me out, and my family doctor knows absolutely NOTHING about Celiac, so he's no help.

[wolfie]

This happens to me, usually in the AM about 10:00 (3 hours after breakfast) if I don't have a snack. I probably should eat more protein for breakfast instead of gluten-free waffles and syrup.

What do you eat for breakfast? Maybe you could add more protein in to see if that helps?

[TiffersAnn]

This happens usually late in the evening. I really don't eat alot of protein unless I'm at home because at work the only thing I can eat is a baked potato or salad, unless I bring something from home. Could this be from not enough protein in my diet? I will most certainly start packing my lunch everyday if this is the case.

[Guest cassidy]

I would check out a low glycemic diet. I used to have a lot of problems with hypoglycemia before going gluten-free. If you eat protein, fat or slowly digested carbs that don't spike your blood sugar then you shouldn't have the dips a few hours after eating. www.glycemicindex.com

Also, this can be related to candida. I just found out that I have candida overgrowth. I am on a low carb/low glycemic diet now and if I cheap and it lots of carbs then I am shaking like a leaf a few hours later.

I do pack my lunch and snacks every day and I also eat something every 2-3 hours.

[CarlaB]

I often have the same problem, mostly when glutened. I get very dizzy, lightheaded, and sometimes mentally confused. My husband recognizes the problem and gives me Propel (because I am usually also dehydrated), then when I feel a little better, I'll eat something. I generally watch to be sure I'm eating a protein if I'm eating something surgary or starchy. I was thinking about getting a monitor at the pharmacy to see if this is because of low blood sugar.

I don't have any answers for you, but I guess I have the same questions!

[tarnalberry]

besides eating a diet more friendly to hypoglycemics, realize that most gluten-free substitutes have more simple carbs than the foods they were replacing, and may be hitting your blood sugar harder than you are used to.

[TiffersAnn]

I do eat more simple starches now... because I used to eat 'whole grain' and supposedly good for me wheats, where as now all I tend to eat is rice and potatoes. I guess I've still got a ton of learning to do.

[tarnalberry]

I do eat more simple starches now... because I used to eat 'whole grain' and supposedly good for me wheats, where as now all I tend to eat is rice and potatoes. I guess I've still got a ton of learning to do.

good alternatives to white rice and potatoes: brown and wild rice, millet, quinoa, amaranth, buckwheat, sweet potatoes, and the other root vegetables.

[TiffersAnn]

Thanx, I've been meaning to try quinoa... never had it (and I even have a box in my cabinet waiting to fix)