Hypoglycemia?

[azurelunatic]

I should really get screened for this at some point or other, since my mother has problems that aren't quite hypoglycemia, and I seem to take after her in that whenever I don't eat, I get horribly, terribly, insanely grouchy, bitchy, irrational, and agorophobic until I do get something to eat.

Votania recognizes these symptoms from when her diabetic father is getting low blood sugar.

Comments

[amberfox.livejournal.com]

My mother has been told by her doctor that she is neither hypoglycemic nor diabetic, but should nonetheless avoid sugar. I seem to recall something about her being "insulin-resistant", but I may be misremembering. In any case, getting tested periodically is probably a good idea, as other blood sugar disorders often grow into diabetes. In the meantime, make sure you eat regularly, and avoid foods that cause blood sugar spikes as much as is practical.

[azurelunatic]

I've been trying to stick to nice healthy things. Last night I carb-binged with the grape juice. Ooops. I guess I'd been low.

don't worry, just snack

[crimmycat.livejournal.com]

can't vouch for the agoraphobia, but the rest of it is extremely familar - an to keep it away, I snack my way through the day (usually on ramen, sphaghetti, salads, veggies, etc, not sugary stuff or junk foods)

It also comes for me with a few other symptoms that are classic for low blood sugar/low blood pressure. Which makes sense to me - if I produce a shade too much insulin, I've got to keep putting sugars (nonrefined) into the system to counter it - and at the most extreme, resort to a snicker's or soda or cotton candy for immediate sugar fix.

Of course, you know what you call most hypoglycemics who don't take care of themselves? Future Diabetics. So don't be surprised if you swing one way or the other over the line - it's just one more thing in our lives where we have to pay attention to maintaining a balance.

now, if you'll excuse me, I'm getting that faint headache that says in fifteen minutes my life will suck unless I go eat. Which, as I just dragged my lazy ass out of bed, is understandable - I last ate at 1am.

[n3m3sis42.livejournal.com]

That happens to me too... I've been tested and told that I'm not quite hypoglycemic but that I do have very low blood sugar.

Re: don't worry, just snack

[crimmycat.livejournal.com]

and I want to point out that beyond eating healthy, this falls into Good Advice I Should Follow

regular excersize helps immensely, and so does a critical and oft-overlooked one - stay hydrated!

these two really, really help when I remember to do them.

[hobbitblue.livejournal.com]

I get that.. the doctors just dismiss it along with all the other things I have wrong with me they can't be bothered to look into. (/rant)
Um. Stuff that works for me when I get like that is salt and carbs, handful of salted nuts is good, or if you want something healthier oatcakes are solid fibre and carbs and seem to get into the system fast, if you are out and about have something like that in your bag or in the car for emergency snacking. Try and avoid going straight for sugary things, sucking on a hard candy can stave off the effects a little longer but carbs are the best solution. And drink plenty too :)

[azurelunatic]

The best compromise junk food that I've found for the situation would be a Snickers bar. Sugar rush plus peanuts: enough to fuel me until I can get something solid.

In a pinch, I've found that plenty of water and a stick of gum will keep me going.

Re: don't worry, just snack

[azurelunatic]

It's one of those delicate situations. When I was at a healthy weight, I was getting the quasi-hypoglycemia grouches all the time. When I was never getting the grouches, I ... well. Yeah.

It's a very delicate balance.