A "HYPO" again

[Confuscious]

The last few days, my Blood Sugar level was too low according to my usual measurements.
Normally, my Blood Sugar level in the morning are between 110 and 125.
A few times higher or lower, but very few.
The last 3 days, I measured  95. 88 and today 80.
While eating lunch at Central Plaza like every day, I started to sweat and feel fainted.
I had trouble to think and everything around me was like a dream.

Knowing these symptoms, I took a small bottle of Coke and drink it up.
A few minutes later, everything was back to normal thank to the COCA COLA.
That's my 3rd HYPO in 6 years time and I hope the last.

 

[impulse]

I know I'll open myself up to some ridicule, but I'd point out that the symptoms you described happen to me with too much MSG.  Which is common in "less expensive" Thai eateries.

 

[Sheryl]

26 minutes ago, impulse said:

I know I'll open myself up to some ridicule, but I'd point out that the symptoms you described happen to me with too much MSG.  Which is common in "less expensive" Thai eateries.

 

too much MSG would not alter his blood sugar reading. Nor quickly respond to sugar intake.

 

@Confuscious  are you:

 

known to be diabetic?

taking insulin or oral hypoglycemic drug?Type? Dose?

was this blood sugar reading fasting? After it did you have a ful breakfast?

 

without this info nothing cam be said about this.

 

 

 

 

[lopburi3]

I can say wife who is type 2 and normally has low-mid 100 fasting readings with medication once experienced coma due low level in a hospital - all too many nurses took low readings to be great - not for everyone.  Wife now keeps candy in purse just in case.  

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetic-coma/symptoms-causes/syc-20371475

[Confuscious]

33 minutes ago, lopburi3 said:

I can say wife who is type 2 and normally has low-mid 100 fasting readings with medication once experienced coma due low level in a hospital - all too many nurses took low readings to be great - not for everyone.  Wife now keeps candy in purse just in case.  

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetic-coma/symptoms-causes/syc-20371475

 

Lucky for me, I did not fall into a Coma.
The first time I had a HYPO, I was lucky to be at that time at the hospital and the nurses knew what was going on.
I learned that as soon as I start to sweating a lot and feel fainting I grab a "quick sugar" like Coca Cola or Fructose tablets to bring my Sugar levels back to normal.
But ine never knows and I might slip into a Coma next time.
 

[Confuscious]

3 hours ago, Sheryl said:

too much MSG would not alter his blood sugar reading. Nor quickly respond to sugar intake.

 

@Confuscious  are you:

 

known to be diabetic?

taking insulin or oral hypoglycemic drug?Type? Dose?

was this blood sugar reading fasting? After it did you have a ful breakfast?

 

without this info nothing cam be said about this.

 

 

 

 

 

- Yes, Diabetes type 2.
- No Insulin.
_ Was on Linaglyptin, but the Kidney doctor ended the prescription of LinaGlyptin and ordered to control my BS levels by diet.
   Since then (about 2 years) my BS levels are between 110 to 125, which is very good.
   Occasionally I have higher BS readings (mostly after the weekend) but that it is due to the food at the bar which I visit on Friday/Saturday.
    Pizza, Hamburger + Chips, etc.
- I take my BS levels every day in the morning BEFORE Breakfast/Drink.
   Today I had a reading of 80.
    Every 3 months, the hospital do a HbA1c test and the latest test on 31/01/24 was 6 (down from 7).
- After the BS test and taking my medication, I had a small breakfast like every day (fruit + yoghurt).

[Sheryl]

28 minutes ago, Confuscious said:

 

- Yes, Diabetes type 2.
- No Insulin.
_ Was on Linaglyptin, but the Kidney doctor ended the prescription of LinaGlyptin and ordered to control my BS levels by diet.
   Since then (about 2 years) my BS levels are between 110 to 125, which is very good.
   Occasionally I have higher BS readings (mostly after the weekend) but that it is due to the food at the bar which I visit on Friday/Saturday.
    Pizza, Hamburger + Chips, etc.
- I take my BS levels every day in the morning BEFORE Breakfast/Drink.
   Today I had a reading of 80.
    Every 3 months, the hospital do a HbA1c test and the latest test on 31/01/24 was 6 (down from 7).
- After the BS test and taking my medication, I had a small breakfast like every day (fruit + yoghurt).

So you are on absolutely  no antiglycemic meds? No metformin, nothing? 

[Confuscious]

2 minutes ago, Sheryl said:

So you are on absolutely  no antiglycemic meds? No metformin, nothing? 

 

No medication for the BS.
Only a strict diet (no sugar).

[Sheryl]

You are not on a strict no sugar diet (or any sort of no or liw sugar diet)  if you are eating fruit for breakfast. 

 

With fasting sugars well under 100 in the morning and a recent episode of hypoglycemia midday, I suggest a more substantial breakfast. In particular more protein and some healthy fats. This will help stabiluze  your daytime blood sugar. 

 

 

[Confuscious]

1 hour ago, Sheryl said:

You are not on a strict no sugar diet (or any sort of no or liw sugar diet)  if you are eating fruit for breakfast. 

 

With fasting sugars well under 100 in the morning and a recent episode of hypoglycemia midday, I suggest a more substantial breakfast. In particular more protein and some healthy fats. This will help stabiluze  your daytime blood sugar. 

 

 

Thanks for your suggestion.

I will try to change my breakfast.

 

But I still try to find out why I had the last 3 days such a low BS level?

I didn't change my habits.

[ukrules]

6 minutes ago, Confuscious said:

Thanks for your suggestion.

I will try to change my breakfast.

 

But I still try to find out why I had the last 3 days such a low BS level?

I didn't change my habits.

 

 

If I were you I would get a fasting test done and then the other test where they do the fasting test first and you drink something containing a high but measured amount of glucose and then test the BG readings (perhaps more than once) after some period of time to get a reading based on the glucose drink.

 

In other words, get a fresh diagnosis.

[Sheryl]

9 hours ago, Confuscious said:

Thanks for your suggestion.

I will try to change my breakfast.

 

But I still try to find out why I had the last 3 days such a low BS level?

I didn't change my habits.

Advancing age increases the likelihood of hypoglycemia.  So does kidney disease.

 

Your habits may not change but your body does.

 

I would also get hypoglycemic on your breakfast intake. Especially if taken with coffee or strong tea. 

 

See how you do on a better breakfast. If that does not work then see an endocrinologist. 

 

[BigStar]

13 hours ago, Confuscious said:

Since then (about 2 years) my BS levels are between 110 to 125, which is very good.

 

Not really.

 

13 hours ago, Confuscious said:

Pizza, Hamburger + Chips, etc.

 

Big no-nos.

 

Suggest you get the gold standard of glucose tests, the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) if possible. But you have at least pre-diabetes. Better start dieting like a diabetic. Seriously exercise as well.

 

The Diabetes Code: Prevent and Reverse Type 2 Diabetes Naturally

[connda]

Go to a lab and get a Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) blood test.  That is a better long-term signal of what your blood sugar actually is. 

[connda]

9 hours ago, Confuscious said:

But I still try to find out why I had the last 3 days such a low BS level?

It could be your test strips. 

[Sheryl]

42 minutes ago, connda said:

It could be your test strips. 

But he is symptomatic as well. 

 

 

[Sheryl]

52 minutes ago, BigStar said:

 

Not really.

 

 

Big no-nos.

 

Suggest you get the gold standard of glucose tests, the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) if possible. But you have at least pre-diabetes. Better start dieting like a diabetic. Seriously exercise as well.

 

The Diabetes Code: Prevent and Reverse Type 2 Diabetes Naturally

Current BS levels are well below 100 so not in pre-diabetic range now.  He was referring to levels in the past.

[BigStar]

10 minutes ago, Sheryl said:

Current BS levels are well below 100 so not in pre-diabetic range now.  He was referring to levels in the past.

 

Yes, he's had two years of pre-diabetes in the 110-125 range, and now 3 days not in the pre-diabetic range. Cured?

 

And reactive hypoglycemia itself can be an indication of pre-diabetes. He's had 3 incidents in 6 years.

 

Reactive hypoglycemia is symptomatic, and occurs due to an abnormally rapid rise in blood glucose after eating, followed by an equally steep crash. It occurs repeatedly in affected individuals, and is considered a prediabetic state.

    --https://diabetes.medicinematters.com/hypoglycemia/type-1-diabetes/reactive-hypoglycemia/19678300

 

And latest HbA1c test was still 6. That don't look good. Now this consistent hypoglycemia. I think he should work (really work) to get those numbers in consistently good ranges, insulin naturally stable, and, as you noted, perhaps see an endocrinologist for a full picture. 

 

[john donson]

70-99 is normal

 

you are in diabetic mode

[rwill]

80 isn't really low.  But I know my wife also feels lousy when her blood sugar gets that low, jittery.  I think her body has gotten use to having higher blood sugar levels.

 

Also if you are trying to limit sugar intake you need to cut carbs too.  Carbs turn into sugar in your body.

 

For a couple of decades my A1C was in the 6.2 range while taking metformin.  I have started intermmitent fasting and a keto like diet.   I also stopped taking metformin.  About 3 months after that my A1C was 5.4.  My last A1C test, a few weeks ago, was 5.1.

[Burma Bill]

22 hours ago, Confuscious said:

That's my 3rd HYPO in 6 years time and I hope the last.

 

 

You have my sincere sympathy as I am a type 2 insulin dependent diabetic. Since being diagnosed 30 years ago, only once have I gone HYPO, and it was a very frightening and upsetting experience. Pre-covid, I was returning to Thailand from a holiday in Siem Reap. I found myself in a massive queue at Aranyaphratet Immigration having crossed from Poipet. After 2 hours in the queue (with another 2 hours still to wait) I started to develope the same symptoms as described by your goodself. I collapsed onto the floor and people came to my aid. Fortunately I did not pass out and was able to state "diabetic - sugar needed". A very kind lady gave me a thick chocolate bar. Thai Immigration itself sent a medic who provided a bottle of drinking water and escorted me to a wheelchair. I eventually regained my normal composure and was processed through immigration much earlier than expected. I had my usual insulin injection earlier that morning but did not expect such a long wait - my mistake! Please note their are NO drinks/food facilities upstairs in Aranyaphratet Immigration - not even a cold water dispenser for people waiting in such long queues. Now I carry a can of COKE with me when travelling. 

[Confuscious]

5 hours ago, Sheryl said:

Advancing age increases the likelihood of hypoglycemia.  So does kidney disease.

 

Your habits may not change but your body does.

 

I would also get hypoglycemic on your breakfast intake. Especially if taken with coffee or strong tea. 

 

See how you do on a better breakfast. If that does not work then see an endocrinologist. 

 

I measured this morning my BS and it was 110.
Back to normal.

I made a small breakfast consisting of Spaghetti Carbonara and Tuna.
I drink Appel juice with me breakfast.

Feeling well.

[Confuscious]

4 hours ago, BigStar said:

 

Not really.

 

 

Big no-nos.

 

Suggest you get the gold standard of glucose tests, the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) if possible. But you have at least pre-diabetes. Better start dieting like a diabetic. Seriously exercise as well.

 

The Diabetes Code: Prevent and Reverse Type 2 Diabetes Naturally

I know that eating a pizza or a hamburger is not good for my health, but at 70 years old and living alone I like to have a little fun on Friday or Saturday.

Since my heart attacks in 1997, and subsequently my Pacemaker implant, I am strictly forbidden to do any exercise.
In 2018, I had a big Aneurysm surgery, and rehabilitation was done very strict watching my Blood Pressure which went after walking a few meters up to 200.

I have been visiting the gym every day in my younger years.
But the ended in 1997.

[Confuscious]

4 hours ago, connda said:

Go to a lab and get a Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) blood test.  That is a better long-term signal of what your blood sugar actually is. 

 

I got every 3 months a HbA1C BS test at the hospital.
Mentionned this also in my original post.
Latest test, in Januari, was 6.

[Confuscious]

4 hours ago, connda said:

It could be your test strips. 

And my HYPO was due to my test strips?

[Confuscious]

48 minutes ago, Burma Bill said:

 

You have my sincere sympathy as I am a type 2 insulin dependent diabetic. Since being diagnosed 30 years ago, only once have I gone HYPO, and it was a very frightening and upsetting experience. Pre-covid, I was returning to Thailand from a holiday in Siem Reap. I found myself in a massive queue at Aranyaphratet Immigration having crossed from Poipet. After 2 hours in the queue (with another 2 hours still to wait) I started to develope the same symptoms as described by your goodself. I collapsed onto the floor and people came to my aid. Fortunately I did not pass out and was able to state "diabetic - sugar needed". A very kind lady gave me a thick chocolate bar. Thai Immigration itself sent a medic who provided a bottle of drinking water and escorted me to a wheelchair. I eventually regained my normal composure and was processed through immigration much earlier than expected. I had my usual insulin injection earlier that morning but did not expect such a long wait - my mistake! Please note their are NO drinks/food facilities upstairs in Aranyaphratet Immigration - not even a cold water dispenser for people waiting in such long queues. Now I carry a can of COKE with me when travelling. 

A HYPO is a very frightening experience and the odds to go into a COMA makes it worse.

I carry normal always some Fructose candy with me, but I forgot the Fructose in the car that day.

[scorecard]

16 hours ago, Sheryl said:

You are not on a strict no sugar diet (or any sort of no or liw sugar diet)  if you are eating fruit for breakfast. 

 

With fasting sugars well under 100 in the morning and a recent episode of hypoglycemia midday, I suggest a more substantial breakfast. In particular more protein and some healthy fats. This will help stabiluze  your daytime blood sugar. 

 

 

Listen to Dr. Sheryl, a qualified well experienced doctor.

[Sheryl]

4 minutes ago, Confuscious said:

A HYPO is a very frightening experience and the odds to go into a COMA makes it worse.

I carry normal always some Fructose candy with me, but I forgot the Fructose in the car that day.

Hypoglycemia severe enough to cause coma is not going to happen in someone not taking any sort of hypoglycemic drug unless there is a serious disease present (eg insulin-secreting tumor). But you can certainly get light-headed,  shaky etc. 

 

In people on insulin, by contrast,  hypoglycemia is a serious and potentially life threatening risk. 

[Confuscious]

3 hours ago, john donson said:

70-99 is normal

 

you are in diabetic mode

The Military Hospital gives a reference Range of 82 to 115.
Taking in account my age and my previous medical history (Kidney Disease, Aneurysm, Heart Attack and a Stroke), my doctor is vey satisfied when my BS remains in the range 110-125.
 

[Burma Bill]

44 minutes ago, Sheryl said:

Hypoglycemia severe enough to cause coma is not going to happen in someone not taking any sort of hypoglycemic drug unless there is a serious disease present (eg insulin-secreting tumor). But you can certainly get light-headed,  shaky etc. 

 

In people on insulin, by contrast,  hypoglycemia is a serious and potentially life threatening risk. 

 Thanks Sheryl and yes, as I experienced at Aranyaphratet. I had taken my normal dose of insulin at breakfast, then no food/drink at Immigration, other than the chocolate bar from a kind tourist. This life threatening risk is the reason why I have never been able to get Life/Medical/Health/Covid insurance, only Accident insurance with Bangkok Bank when I lived in Thailand.