Hypoglycemia - Go For Protein Or Go For High Glucose?

[MrsVJW]

So.... been dealing with episodes of regular hypoglycemia and reactive hypoglycemia for about a month - it started when I went off all grains/refined carbs. I have tried adding some back to see if that made any difference, it really does not. Thankfully, I have a good doc who was willing to hook me up with a glucose meter and told me to test and take notes, and I've found I tend to feel it when the blood sugar drops into the mid to low 80s (and 80 has been my low so far... that was 3am last night... fun! NOT!). I've been gulten free for two years (wheat allergy) but the very limited carbs thing is somewhat newer.

My question... when feeling a low - go for protein source or go for the quick glucose? It seems like every other website recommends a different one. Anyone??

[SleepyBunny]

I know what you're going through!!! This is giving me such a hard time and is so confusing and frustrating. I woke up with a bs of 83 this morning. I thought in the 80's was ok but I feel a little "off" and hungry! Lol Yesterday when I woke up it was 66. Felt like crap and an emotional wreck! Hopefully we can get some answers! If you need to talk let me know. I don't know much about this but if you just need a buddy just say the word!

[MrsVJW]

I know everything I've read describes a "crash" as down to 70... I get down to the mid 80s and I feel terrible. Last night, it was at 80 when I measured, and I was having trouble just trying to get to the kitchen to get myself some food (snacks will be carried upstairs tonight!). Going to try an Extend low-carb bar as my pre-bedtime eats tonight, see if that helps. But I will probably also have a half glass of OJ if I need something quick, and something more protein focused by the bedside. I figure the two-prong approach should work - some quick glucose source for the immediate issue, and something that can sustain me for awhile too.

I have had a history of being a "light sleeper" - things will wake me during the night. I also have a history of sleepwalking (infrequently, but it has happened).

[SleepyBunny]

Before a bomb could go off while I was sleeping and I wouldn't hear it. Now I don't feel as though I'm getting into that deep sleep anymore. Let me know how your approach works! If I find any other ideas I'll put them on here

[1desperateladysaved]

When you have trouble with hypoglycemia, the thing you want to do is keep your blood sugar study. I am talking about prevention here. My diet include 3 oz of protein to 27 carbs. I also include 1 tbsp of good fat. That would be olive oil, coconut oil, or butter. One might eat more than that, but keep the ratios that way. I have very little fruit and never fruit juice. The sugar content has been bred to be very high. The trouble is when you have alot of sugar you tend to crash.

If you do have a crises eating a small amount of high sugar fruit or maybe even an once of juice would maybe push your level back up without the crash. Oh, but please do have some protein shortly thereafter.

I remember long ago I was tracking my blood sugar. One day it was 59 after breakfast. I took a tablespoon of honey. No boost, I had a little more and a little more and a banana. It was still 59. The bottom line is I finally gave up trying. My only explanation for this now is that my body just was not absorbing anything at the time. I was eating gluten and I suspect that was the problem.

Breakfast for me looks like:

Poached eggs

1 gluten free muffin

Coconut oil

Trifle of fruit

I hope this will help you keep your blood sugar from crashing.

[SleepyBunny]

I had been following a detox diet after my first fast and after it was over I kept my diet similar to it. I would eat some turkey or chicken with some berries, protein shake with some nuts or seeds for a snack, a salad or chicken or turkey with a vegetable for lunch sometimes some hummus also, piece of fruit and a protein shake for another snack, then for dinner something similar to lunch and sometimes a rice cake with some almond butter a few hours before bed. I guess I was doing ok with this. I just started getting bored and I hate having to measure everything tonight for dinner I had 2 chicken thighs, a red potato with coconut butter and broccolli and an hour later was 84 I was surprised by that. I had a nutritional bar? and I felt so good after eating it lol my bs was 98 an hour later. I guess I need to test more and see what reacts how. I only drink water really. I know soda and fruit juice pretty much = sugar. And I know I won't be able to control myself lol

[1desperateladysaved]

Sleepingbunny: I hope you wake up and have won the race. The race to better health.

[veronika]

When I'm feeling a low, the best thing that works for me is to have a small portion of quick carbs to 'rescue' my blood sugar. Then I quickly follow it up with something that will sustain me for awhile like protein, so I don't have another crash.

I agree with desperatelady, prevention is key. You need to have protein/fat with your carbs. Also eating smaller meals but more often has really helped me. If I don't eat for 3 hours I start to get a little crazy, confused, weak. I always make sure I have a good snack on me if I'm ever I'm out and about.

[FruitEnthusiast]

I agree, it really is important to get enough good fats in your diet too. We have become conditioned to avoid fat, but it's just as important as all the other food groups. Avocados work wonders for me to extend my blood sugar level to the next meal. This is a good reminder for me too, to count the fat grams I'm taking in daily. It's easy to forget to get enough.

[MrsVJW]

I've been doing better by making sure that I focus on "good carbs"... for me, that has been a lot beans, veggies, etc. Avoiding the "white" grains - even white rice is really not my friend. And yes, making sure every meal has a good balance of fat/protein/carbs. I do keep some fresh squeezed/no sugar added OJ by the bed for nighttime crashes - but I am happy to note that although I woke up and felt fine last night, I checked my blood glucose anyway, and it was normal, so I skipped snacking. (My pre-bed snack was some hummus and salami) I know if I do have a crash, the OJ tends to quickly solve the problem, and then I munch down from my "bedside snack plate" - which usually has something like salami or proscuitto on it, some cheese, some raw carrots and some hummus.

Oh, and been snacking on my own home roasted nuts (apparently all the "raw" types of Diamond nuts are gluten-free... not so much the Emerald nuts line of snacks - but easy to roast up your own) and I think that's been a big help too.

[twe0708]

I usually reach for something with protein and that makes a big difference. Almonds, pistachios, eggs or turkey works for me. I also make sure I include enough protein in each meal and find that I don't have any problems. If I make pancakes in the morning I also make two eggs. Good luck!