Blood Sugar Levels

[hazelbrown10]

Hi again everyone,

I can't tell you how much I'm enjoying this forum! I'm learning a lot, and I'm ready to go gluten-free even if my test results are negative. I'm actually expecting them to be, since so many people's are. My 6 week gluten challenge ends on Friday and I'm seeing my doctor.

One of my most annoying symptoms is what I guess is a low blood sugar feeling - shaky, weak, need to eat NOW, etc. I bought a blood sugar meter at Target and so far when my sugar is in the mid-70's I have that feeling, even though from what I've read that's not hypoglycemia. My fasting blood sugar this morning was 90 and the highest spikes were 30 minutes after meals, 130 and 134. About half an hour after that my sugar goes back down into the 70s. Could the quick drop be what I'm feeling? I am talking to my doctor on Friday before the blood tests, and I don't want to bring up a new thing unless it might actually be something. My numbers definitely aren't high enough to be diabetic numbers, but then I've read that blood sugar doesn't vary widely for non-diabetics, but I can't find an actual range anywhere - like... from 70-150? 70-100? Oh and I have a cousin with type 1 diabetes but I don't know of any other diabetes in my family. I'm 27 and normal weight.

Help, I read too much and now I have a glucose meter to aid and abet me!!!

[hazelbrown10]

So I just checked again, an hour and 15 min after eating and it was 144! This time it went 134 (30 min), 144 (75 min). So it didn't drop down like usual. I don't get it!

[Skylark]

You could be feeling the quick drop. Everything you're measuring sounds like you do not have diabetes or a dangerous blood sugar issue. Fasting should be below 100, hypoglycemia is below 70. Rises to 140 or 150 after meals are pretty normal. A quick drop back to the 70s might be a little unusual but not an indication of diabetes. That doesn't mean you don't feel the drops - obviously you're not imagining feeling bad!

I have something called reactive hypoglycemia that sounds similar. If I eat a bunch of sugar or starchy foods I get that lightheaded feeling, or it makes me want to sleep. It is not a diabetes thing, but rather the opposite where your body doesn't produce enough glucagon to counter the insulin. My Dr. said I would feel better if I avoid eating a lot of starchy foods and sweets. It works really well. I switched to brown rice, go easy on white potatoes, and try to always have some protein, fats, or fiber with starchy foods.

If you want to really see about prediabetes, you can do a glucose challenge. This link at about.com explains how it works. You can do it and check with your meter, though I doubt you'll find anything abnormal if your blood sugar is only going to 140 after meals. You can tell your doctor if you think the numbers are weird.

Open Original Shared Link

Here's a bit more on reactive hypoglycemia.

Open Original Shared Link

[realmaverick]

I have the same issue. If i don't eat regularly, say every 3 hours, I get very shaky, weak and light headed. At this point I need to just stuff my face like an animal. Often I'm certain I'd pass out if I didn't get sugar inside me at this point.

The other day I eat potatoes and chicken and within 5 minuts I felt weak and shaky. I wasn't hungry, but needed sugar. I'm not sure if its in any way related to celiacs or something entirely different.

According to my dr, all of the above is perfectly normal. So normal that besides my mum, I don't know a single person who has this issue. He didn't want to do a test for hyperglycaemia or anything of the kind, hes been quite hopeless actually.

[Juliebove]

Sounds like you could have diabetes or pre-diabetes.

Mid 70's certainly can be a hypo. Keep in mind that those meters have an percentage of error. Depending on the source, a hypo can be anywhere from 65 to 70.

You can also have symptoms of hypo when you have a quick drop in blood sugar.

You would do best to eat more slower acting carbs like dried beans and less fast acting carbs like white rice. And add a little fat to your meals to help delay the absorption of carbs.

And of course see your Dr. But it sounds like you are already going to do that.

[Skylark]

  On 10/14/2010 at 8:00 AM, Juliebove said:

Sounds like you could have diabetes or pre-diabetes.

I really doubt it based on stuff my doctor told me, but no harm in checking...

[hazelbrown10]

Hi everyone, thanks for the replies! Skylark, thanks for the articles. I do feel better when I make sure I have a good mix of foods - and I usually eat something small every hour or so, and I carry some snacks with me just in case that feeling hits out of the blue. I always figured it was normal too but nobody I know seems to have this problem... all my friends can go for hours with no food. Doctors have usually just said "eat more!" but I always am anyway

I'm pretty confused at this point because everything seemed fairly normal after dinner last night (up, down, down), but then I had a snack around 9 and my sugar stayed at 115 at the 1 hour and 2 hour tests. Then this morning when I woke up it was 125!! I had a work brunch this morning and now two hours later it's 113. It was a pretty carby meal. So where did my 70's go, and where did the 125 come from?! That really freaks me out and I hope it's just a freak reading. I really wish I had been keeping track for weeks before my doctor's appointment but it just occurred to me the other day that anybody can buy a meter for $10 at Target. I wonder if when I stop eating gluten it'll be less up and down.

Thanks a lot for the replies , it's kind of scary especially since I don't really understand what could be happening inside my body, if it's stress or gluten or what!

[tarnalberry]

don't put too much stock in any single reading. exactly what constitutes high and low varies by person, and the speed of the change can be part of the equation. reactive hypoglycemia tends to have a response curve that shows a normal increase in blood sugar immediately after eating, and a quicker than normal drop (possibly to lower than normal levels) after the initial rise. it does NOT mean you are prediabetic (though it certainly doesn't rule it out), but it does mean that you should try to better balance ALL your meals for protein/fat/fiber/carbs to moderate the blood sugar swings.

[Skylark]

Well, just start keeping a journal. Time you ate, what you ate and how much, blood sugar reading and the time you took it. You can show it to your doctor and try to figure out what's going on. You're not getting any dangerously high (>200) or low (<70) readings, which is really good.

[hazelbrown10]

Hi again,

I'm trying not to freak out but... I'm freaking out! Ahh! I felt yucky all day at work so I kept close track of my sugar.

After that huge brunch thing, my sugar went down from 113 (1hr after eating) to 97 (hour and a half). Then I was starving again and ate a Larabar and a handful of corn chex. An hour after that it was (gulp) 199!!!!

So I freaked out a little, waited, and an hour after that it was 94. Got home and I was feeling even MORE yucky so I ate some leftover pizza, some cashews, and an apple with peanut butter. An hour later, 119. Half an hour later, 131. Another half hour later...... 174. Eep! I can't really discern a pattern.

The 199 and 174 totally freak me out. Is it ok for non-diabetic numbers to go there as long as they come back down? This is seeming like an out-of-body experience because I can feel my body feeling strange, and I can see the numbers on the meter, but somehow it's hard to connect them.

Thanks for being out there, guys

[missy'smom]

If you have any doubt, go get tested. IMHO, you need to be tested. It's only one day out of your life and can't hurt a thing. Ask for an oral glucose tolerance test. They should do take several blood draws over the course of several hours, 3-5. That will give a good picture of what's going on. Diabetes is SO much more manageable the earlier it is caught. Also, it is a spectrum so think about testing as finding out where you are on the spectrum. Ask for your numbers and know what they mean.

I have a diabetes DX and yet can get non-diabetic numbers and even hypo occasionally-my BG can be anywhere from 65 to nearly 300 depending on what I eat and other factors, but now that I have a DX and a meter and test regularly and follow a low-carb diet I can keep it nice and stable. During testing, my fasting was relatively low-80-90, but I went up fast and was shaking uncontrollably the first half hour. Hr 2 was up close to 280 and barely went down by hr. 3, probably took many hrs. to go down. We don't always fit into the convenient boxes. I don't fit the usual profiles and was ignored by doctors for a while because I am quite thin. I finaly demanded to be tested, that's how I got my DX.

140 is the magic number. Any time BG goes over that tissue damage can occur. You want to be under 140 at all times.

[Emilushka]

Any random testing under 200 is counted by your doctors as normal. It's ideal for there to be as few fluctuations as possible. Fluctuations are caused by high-sugar items like cookies or soft drinks or juices. Even fruits can cause spikes and then resultant dips in your blood sugar.

When you take in a glucose load (a meal high in sugar), that sugar floods your bloodstream. It just crosses straight from gut to blood - no system is there to slow it down or control that flow. So then your pancreas sees all this sugar and spits out a BUNCH of insulin to counteract it. Which does work, but then you get lower blood sugar afterward. That's the reactive hypoglycemia that was mentioned previously.

The best thing for your body (and mind) is to maintain a pretty constant level of blood sugar. Your body is designed to do this well, but in this day and age it's so easy to get sugar that we spike up our bodies constantly with crazy amounts of blood sugar. If you stay away from table sugar, candy, pop, fruit juices, smoothies, pancakes, pastas, etc. you are likely to have much saner blood sugar numbers.

Now don't freak out! None of your numbers would make me bat an eye as a med student. Just watch your diet, maintain a regular exercise routine, and go in for your normal doctor visits for health screening. You'll do fine. :-)

[hazelbrown10]

Thanks, Missy's Mom. My doctor's office is open on Saturdays, so at my appointment tomorrow I'll ask to be tested the next day if they can do it. The first time I asked about diabetes testing was when I was 22 and feeling just like this, and the doctor just looked at me and said she didn't think it was diabetes, probably because like you, I'm pretty thin. I hope she's right... but I will find out. Thanks again

[hazelbrown10]

Thanks Emilushka!

[missy'smom]

  On 10/15/2010 at 1:21 AM, hazelbrown10 said:

Thanks, Missy's Mom. My doctor's office is open on Saturdays, so at my appointment tomorrow I'll ask to be tested the next day if they can do it. The first time I asked about diabetes testing was when I was 22 and feeling just like this, and the doctor just looked at me and said she didn't think it was diabetes, probably because like you, I'm pretty thin. I hope she's right... but I will find out. Thanks again

I had almost the same experience. I too went in when I was around that same age and the Doc. litterally laughed at me and walked out not even finishing the appointment. He said it was impossible. So I gave up, but all the time I just felt like my body was so sensitive. Fast forward to 27 and I ended up with gestational diabetes with what my doc. said were "off the charts" testing #'s but again, I wasn't educated enough and didn't advocate for myself and was strongly reassured that it had gone away after delivery, although no further testing was done. I retired my meter but never felt well. Fast forward 10 years and I finally asked for that testing and the Doc's assistant actually gasped out loud when she saw the results. So that's why I would rather see people tested than reassured. There was no need for me to have gone so long unmanaged. It would be so much easier for me to manage things now if I had started earlier. It seems I've lost far too much insulin producing function, although in my case that may be due to autoimmune attack. I thought I was doing good things with my diet before but it was all shots in the dark without a DX, education and regular testing.

If you go in, get tested and find that all is well, then nothing lost and you've gained peace of mind. If something comes up, that's not the end of the world. Better to know, than not to. Knowledge is power! Blood sugar can be very manageable and you can be proactive in protecting and preserving your health.

[missy'smom]

Here's a link for you.

Open Original Shared Link

I just want to say good for you for all that you've done to be proactive and informed so far!

[Juliebove]

  On 10/15/2010 at 12:09 AM, hazelbrown10 said:

Hi again,

I'm trying not to freak out but... I'm freaking out! Ahh! I felt yucky all day at work so I kept close track of my sugar.

After that huge brunch thing, my sugar went down from 113 (1hr after eating) to 97 (hour and a half). Then I was starving again and ate a Larabar and a handful of corn chex. An hour after that it was (gulp) 199!!!!

So I freaked out a little, waited, and an hour after that it was 94. Got home and I was feeling even MORE yucky so I ate some leftover pizza, some cashews, and an apple with peanut butter. An hour later, 119. Half an hour later, 131. Another half hour later...... 174. Eep! I can't really discern a pattern.

The 199 and 174 totally freak me out. Is it ok for non-diabetic numbers to go there as long as they come back down? This is seeming like an out-of-body experience because I can feel my body feeling strange, and I can see the numbers on the meter, but somehow it's hard to connect them.

Thanks for being out there, guys

IMO, if you see those numbers you are not a non-diabetic. Get to an Endocrinologist ASAP!

[Juliebove]

  On 10/15/2010 at 12:57 PM, missy said:

I had almost the same experience. I too went in when I was around that same age and the Doc. litterally laughed at me and walked out not even finishing the appointment. He said it was impossible. So I gave up, but all the time I just felt like my body was so sensitive. Fast forward to 27 and I ended up with gestational diabetes with what my doc. said were "off the charts" testing #'s but again, I wasn't educated enough and didn't advocate for myself and was strongly reassured that it had gone away after delivery, although no further testing was done. I retired my meter but never felt well. Fast forward 10 years and I finally asked for that testing and the Doc's assistant actually gasped out loud when she saw the results. So that's why I would rather see people tested than reassured. There was no need for me to have gone so long unmanaged. It would be so much easier for me to manage things now if I had started earlier. It seems I've lost far too much insulin producing function, although in my case that may be due to autoimmune attack. I thought I was doing good things with my diet before but it was all shots in the dark without a DX, education and regular testing.

If you go in, get tested and find that all is well, then nothing lost and you've gained peace of mind. If something comes up, that's not the end of the world. Better to know, than not to. Knowledge is power! Blood sugar can be very manageable and you can be proactive in protecting and preserving your health.

My story is somewhat similar. Reactive hypoglycemia my whole life. Then in my mid/late 30's it went away. Suddenly I could skip a meal and not get sick. I thought this was a good thing!

Got pregnant at 39 and was told I had gestational diabetes early into the pregnacy. I really think it was type 2. Why? About a year after having the baby I was finally told I did have diabetes. This after one Dr. prior saying I had it then saying I did not. I had additional testing, but now I know it was the wrong kind. Other Drs said I didn't have it because there was no sugar or protein in my urine and I could pass a fasting finger stick. They never bothered to give me the OGTT.

[lisa25]

I got positive test results for reactive hypoglycemia in June. I would highly recommend getting at least a 5-hour glucose tolerance test. All of my numbers were normal until the 4th hour. The lady that was doing my test told me that the last two hours of the test were pointless and all the real info was in the first three hours. She apparently didn't know what she was talking about. I am glad I followed my doctors instructions to stay for all 5 hours. Since meeting with a dietician to figure out how much carbs and proteins I should get and at what times of the day, I have felt much better. I can also recognize the way I feel when I ate too many quick carbs and not enough protein. For me it was worth it to be tested and to know. Also, I am 26 and normal weight...I just had a feeling something was off related to my blood sugar.

[hazelbrown10]

Hi all, thanks for the suggestions. My doctor didn't seem worried at all by my numbers. She pointed out that I have been eating a lots of carbs and not much protein since I was trying to get as much gluten in during the challenge as possible. She suggested that I go gluten-free and after a week or so, do an experiment where I test when I wake up, 2 hrs after meals, and before bed. I do feel much better whenever I stop eating gluten... so I don't know. The doctor said there are so many factors that go into blood sugar, and not to read too much in to a few days of testing at home.

Sooo I guess that's what I'll do? If I don't feel better being gluten-free after a few days I'll still request the glucose tolerance test, since I know she'll do it.

Thanks again so much.

[ravenwoodglass]

  On 10/15/2010 at 6:30 PM, hazelbrown10 said:

Hi all, thanks for the suggestions. My doctor didn't seem worried at all by my numbers. She pointed out that I have been eating a lots of carbs and not much protein since I was trying to get as much gluten in during the challenge as possible. She suggested that I go gluten-free and after a week or so, do an experiment where I test when I wake up, 2 hrs after meals, and before bed. I do feel much better whenever I stop eating gluten... so I don't know. The doctor said there are so many factors that go into blood sugar, and not to read too much in to a few days of testing at home.

Sooo I guess that's what I'll do? If I don't feel better being gluten-free after a few days I'll still request the glucose tolerance test, since I know she'll do it.

Thanks again so much.

You have a good doctor. With you doing a gluten challenge right now if your feeling ill that is going to effect your levels. Once your gluten free you should be feeling a lot better.

[Skylark]

  On 10/15/2010 at 6:30 PM, hazelbrown10 said:

Hi all, thanks for the suggestions. My doctor didn't seem worried at all by my numbers. She pointed out that I have been eating a lots of carbs and not much protein since I was trying to get as much gluten in during the challenge as possible. She suggested that I go gluten-free and after a week or so, do an experiment where I test when I wake up, 2 hrs after meals, and before bed. I do feel much better whenever I stop eating gluten... so I don't know. The doctor said there are so many factors that go into blood sugar, and not to read too much in to a few days of testing at home.

Sooo I guess that's what I'll do? If I don't feel better being gluten-free after a few days I'll still request the glucose tolerance test, since I know she'll do it.

Thanks again so much.

Remember that it's basically healthy to eat a more "diabetic" style diet, light on carbs and with plenty of protein and fiber from veggies to slow absorption. That's easy for celiacs, since we rely on fruits, veggies, meats, beans, and other foods with modest amounts of starch. Lots of starchy food and sugar really isn't good for anyone and you'll avoid the big dips in blood sugar that are making you feel ill.

[hazelbrown10]

Hi again everyone! I am happy to report that on the gluten-free diet I am feeling MUCH better! I am also eating nuts and more protein ALL the time and it's definitely helping. I haven't been testing my blood sugar much, but when I do it seems normal. I had no idea that diet could regulate blood sugar so much - I always thought that if you were not diabetic, your body would keep your blood sugar in a good range - but I've learned from experience that that is not so.

My celiac tests came back normal - normal total IgA, tTG IgA was 5 (and less than 19 is negative), and the gliadin peptide was a 2 (less than 19 negative). I had the tTG IgA done two years ago and it was a 1, but I was gluten-free at the time. I don't know what the 1 to 5 increase means - is it just a fluctuation in testing, am I reacting to gluten, or what? Whatever the reason, I am off gluten and feel SO MUCH better! It's like I've moved back to the real world. My student loans coming out of deferrment has ALSO reminded me that I'm in the real world... but not in such a good way

Thanks a bunch for all of your great advice!

[Skylark]

The fluctuation in TTG is just normal testing variability. I'm glad to hear you're feeling better!

[missy'smom]

  On 10/20/2010 at 3:36 AM, hazelbrown10 said:

I am happy to report that on the gluten-free diet I am feeling MUCH better! I am also eating nuts and more protein ALL the time and it's definitely helping. I had no idea that diet could regulate blood sugar so much - I always thought that if you were not diabetic, your body would keep your blood sugar in a good range - but I've learned from experience that that is not so.

Yes, everyone's blood sugar can fluctuate in a way that is unhealthy and uncomfortable. Our bodies were only designed to withstand so much. If you had not been proactive and sought knowledge and change then in time you may have faced more of a challenge in gaining back control. That's why it's so important to catch things early, before function is lost.

Even those of us with diabetes have alot of power to control our blood sugar through diet. It can make a huge difference if you go about it right. Even those of us with diabetes can sometimes get our numbers back into the non-diabetic range with careful choices.

Glad you are feeling so much better!