Experiencing Lows (?) Lately

Hi ... remember me? Haven't been around for while due to some stressful, family-related events.

Anyway, a few weeks ago, I was driving across town ... came to an intersection and while I was waiting for the light to change, I forgot how to drive! I concentrated very hard, remembered what to do next, managed to get off the road and pulled into a fast food joint parking lot. Still a little disoriented, I decided to buy a slice of pizza. Ate that and about 10 minutes later felt completely normal again. This occurred between breakfast and lunch -- I hadn't eaten or snacked for about 4 hours. I usually snack on something every 2 hours but in the past if that routine got disrupted, nothing unusual would happen.

I've had a couple of similar episodes, luckily at home and close to my meter. During these times when I felt not quite right, I took a reading. Both times I was at 4.2 (75) and a little snack fixed me up.

Coincidentally, my weight has been yo-yo-ing up & down about 5 pounds a week.

A diabetic friend told me he reported similar events to his doctor who replied that because he (my friend ... not the doctor) has his weight under control and has been living a healthier lifestyle, his body has become more efficient at using what little insulin he produces and therefore needs more fuel (food) to process.

Combining this with the unusual amount of personal stress I've been experiencing would tend to explain my situation I think.

Of course, I will run all this by my doctor at our next meeting and see what he thinks but what about you guys ... ever experience anything like this?

Chris

Hi Chris.  I'm glad you're back but concerned about these episodes, especially since you're not on diabetes meds.  Also, weight fluctuating 5 lbs a week?  A week?  I hope you've been keeping a food/activity journal so you can show it and your blood sugar readings to the doctor.  Maybe you need more blood tests.  I hope you're feeling better and carry some candy or food bars with you if you can't eat on your regular schedule.  I know stress can wreak havoc on blood sugar, but.....gosh.  Keep us updated, ok?

 

G'Day Neighbour!

Have I ever experienced the brain "space-out".... oh yes. Often. I've gotten pretty good at managing my levels and my prize is I've developed some serious hypo-unawareness. Seems like I've been recognizing I'm low when my brain starts looping. I'll read the same page in a book over and over or I'll start moving fast like I'm rushing for something but can't remember what. Inevitably when I test, I'm really low, like 1.8-2.8 (30-50). I remember driving on the highway once and reciting driving lessons in my head (hands at 10:00 & 2:00, check rearview, etc), before I had the wherewithal to pull over and test. I was 2.1 (38).

One thing I've learned about the 'D', Chris.... it's always changing. I guess in fairness so are our bodies but it does make it hard to keep up sometimes. You may want to be on the safe side and do a bit more testing for the next while; till things settle down. I almost always test before I drive for example, only because it's the one thing I see potentially hurting someone other than myself if I went hypo. I've been caught off-guard before and don't care for the situation. I am a homebody so, most of my hypos happen where I'm most comfortable addressing them.

What your friend's doc said is perfectly plausible, too. When you're managing yourself well and throwing some changes to the body into the mix (weight loss/gain), that can definitely play with your BGLs. 4.2 isn't considered a hypoglycemic event but, it can be YOUR current threshold for feeling 'low'. Have some quick-acting carbs if you're about to do some exercise/exertions of sorts - like giving it the fuel to perform the action.

When you feel "weird"...test. If you're low, fix it and follow that up with a meal or some fat/protein within a couple of hours so you don't go low again. By testing, you'll also have a piece of data to analyze...maybe there's a pattern there?

Cheers (glad to see you back
Kris

Have I ever experienced the brain "space-out".... oh yes.

So, I haven't formed a club of one huh? ;-) Good to know I'm not alone ... and nice to see you again too neighbour

Re: "doing a bit more testing" ... I look like a refugee from a cheap vampire movie after the last couple of weeks but I think I've found a pattern. I used to (yes, everything changes) be highest in the morning, so I would eat less, then progressively more towards supper. Now, it appears, I have a quick BG drop-off between breakfast and lunch so must snack on something at least once and maybe twice before lunch.

A terrible burden but I think I can manage ;-)

Now that I think of it ... "... throwing some changes to the body into the mix ... " ... my doctor cut back the dosage on my blood pressure pills (by 1/2) almost precisely at the time when the extra stress entered into the equation. Hmmm ... more things to talk about with Dear Ole Doc.

Thanks for the the inspirations Kris!

Chris

Thanks Lanie

Ain't life grand?

Chris