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General Fitness & Nutrition: Low Blood Sugar

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  1.  
    • CommentAuthorFree Membercoldshower
    • CommentTimeJun 15th 2008 edited
     
    coldshower

    Hello all,

    I have had a problem with borderline hypo glycemia my entire adult life so far.  I have managed to keep it in check by eating small amounts of protein throughout the day.  However, I have been increasing my distance running lately and find my sugar problem to be getting out of control.  I have an episode...trembling, weakness, heachache, nausea, inability to concentrate, and even tunnel vision...several times per week.  I feel like I am going to pass out.  Scary!  Especially with a house full of little kids to watch. 

    I am a baby stepper with running.  I do not train overly hard.  I run 3 to 4 times per week with 3 miles being my short run and 10 miles being my long run, and a couple of mid runs in between.  I also try to incorporate strength training at least once or twice weekly on off days.  I am a thin gal (110 lbs @ 5'5"), but I bet I consume 3,000 calories on a daily basis.  I eat pretty healthy for the most part, but do admit that I binge on sweets on occassion.  I take care to eat meat every evening for dinner, and peanut butter is a staple in my daily diet.  Even my breakfast cereal of choice is protein enhanced.  I snack on string cheese, a handful of almonds or even a protein bar to help balance out my sugar.  This is not working for me anymore.  My husband thinks that my running is causing all my problems, but I refuse to give it up!  I am concerned that if I do not get this under control that I may have diabetes later in life.  My episodes do not happen after a run, so I do not think it is from dehydration.  Any advice? 

     

    • CommentAuthorFree Memberajb44
    • CommentTimeJun 15th 2008
     
    ajb44

    Hi. Sorry you're having episodes, I'm also hypoglycemic and I get them too. You're smart to consume protein. Can I advise you to buy Dannon's Light & Fit Smoothies? They come about $3 to a four-pack, I found them when I was first diagnosed and they've saved me more times than I can count. They're small bottles, about 7 oz each. You can tuck them away in whatever you carry when you run. I believe Splenda is the sweetener and each bottle is only 70 calories. I think maybe your body has gotten used to certain types of proteins so you'll be fooling your body if you consume these. I've found the effect is nearly immediate when I drink one during an episode.

     

    Good luck and let us know how it goes for you.

  3.  
    LilRunningMonkey
    I have had very similar issues, especially when I was a little thinner. I am not reccomending you gain weight though! I found it most important to keep little snacks around and plan meals... part of being an athlete. I've got a question or two for you... did you ever do a low carb or severe sugar restriction? Does your metabolism go really quickly ifyou eat a lot of sugar... for instance if I eat pancakes and syrup, I almost immediately have to go to the bathroom and feel unnourished like it went straight through me and I need to eat again shortly... and for sure protein...
    • CommentAuthorFree Membercoldshower
    • CommentTimeJun 15th 2008
     
    coldshower

    To answer your questions...No, I have not tried a low carb or severe sugar restriction diet.  I have always been able to eat what I have wanted (pretty lucky until now).  Even with that freedom, I usually make healthy choices.  I never skip meals, and do eat the small portions of protein between meals.  I will definitely try the Dannon smoothies (something new and different)-thanks for the tip!

    Answer to your other question- The only food that seems to cause me to head straight for the bathroom is anything fried. Plus, I am allergic to alcohol (bummer huh?)  I do not have a reaction with sugary foods.  I almost immediately get a headache and jittery  if I eat a chocolate candy bar though...that may be something else entirely???  My body is not used to caffeine, so I really have to be careful with that.  I have tried different kinds of foods at different times of the day, but I am still having these episodes.  Sometimes the protein will help with the attacks, but usually I have to consume some sort of candy or granola bar to level out.  Who would have thought eating would be such hard work!

    Thanks for the advice-keep it coming!Laughing

    • CommentAuthorFree Memberkmpi68
    • CommentTimeJun 16th 2008
     
    kmpi68

    If this is truly low blood sugar ... do you have a blood testing meter?

    If it is low blood sugar and you find that your numbers are well below 60 then, the ONLY way to get them back quickly is by consuming quick sugars -orange juice, a non diet soft drink - I do not see the use in eating protein if it is low blood sugar.  I am type1 - if my sugar gets low...quick sugars is the answer- but you need to test to be sure. 

    Good Luck

    • CommentAuthorFree Membercoldshower
    • CommentTimeJun 19th 2008
     
    coldshower

    I do have a testing meter.  My low numbers are in the low 60's...not low enough for medication apparently.  I haven't tested myself while in the midst of a full blown attack, I cannot even concentrate enough to do it at that point.  You are right kmpi68, I definitely have to have the sugar at that point.  My goal is not to get to that point and was told by the doctor to consume more protein in between meals.  The nuts, peanut butter, cheeses and protein bars are just not helping like they used to.  Could it possibly be from the exercise (I sure hope not)?  Could this cycle eventually lead to diabetes?

    Thanks! 

     

    • CommentAuthorFree MemberHarbourboy
    • CommentTimeJun 20th 2008
     
    Harbourboy
    Um, I recommend visiting a doctor, rather than consulting us amateurs.
    • CommentAuthorFree Memberrimoce
    • CommentTimeJun 20th 2008
     
    rimoce
    I think what you may be experiencing is reactive hypoglycemia.  This occurs if you eat a carb load, which causes the body to release insulin.  Your body quickly burns the carbs (especially if your exercising), but the insulin is still around to cause a drop in your blood sugar.  Avoid simple sugars before exercising to avoid the insulin surge.  Also try to eat foods with a low glycemic index and increase the non-soluble fiber in your diet.  This problem is not a precursor to diabetes.  In fact, your body is probably very insulin sensitive (the opposite of diabetes) typical of athletes.  Hope this helps. RGuerreroMD  

     

    • CommentAuthorFree Membercoldshower
    • CommentTimeJun 20th 2008
     
    coldshower
    Thanks for the info!  Makes me feel a little better about the situation. 

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