Diabetes Talking

Question:

Angie wrote in part:  I felt a little queasy, like I might get sick, then would sweat like crazy, my head felt foggy, I couldn’t hardly even hold my head up and my head was about to explode from the worst headache I have had in all my life!!!  My temp only got up to 99.5, so I then decided to check my blood sugar…it was 31!!!  This has happened before, not quite as low, but alot of the time it will be under 80.  What is wrong with me?  How can I keep this from happening anymore?

Hi Angie.  When people experience hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) they will typically show the same symptoms you’ve listed above.  How can you keep this from happening?  Eat something that is high in carbs (I know, gasp!). The reason is that carbs will make your blood sugar go up and keep it up. Typically people think that if their blood sugar is low, they should eat sugar, but if you do have a piece of candy, it will raise your blood sugar, then drop immediately and you will experience the same symptoms again.  Carbs are used in a slower way so they will keep your blood sugar more stable until you raise them later with more food.  For more information go to www.ada.com (which is the American Diabetes Association). Take care. Karen

Response:

Hi guys.  I had quite a crappy night at work last night.  I work 7pm-7am by the way.  I work on a skilled nursing unit and right now everyone has the flu and I do mean EVERYONE!!!  I ended up calling in sick on Saturday because I was sick with it, but I decided to go to work Sunday anyways.  I felt a little queasy, like I might get sick, then would sweat like crazy, my head felt foggy, I couldn’t hardly even hold my head up and my head was about to explode from the worst headache I have had in all my life!!!  My temp only got up to 99.5, so I then decided to check my blood sugar…it was 31!!!  This has happened before, not quite as low, but alot of the time it will be under 80.  What is wrong with me?  How can I keep this from happening anymore?  Does anyone else experience this?  I know I should be asking my MD for this info, but it’ll be a little while before I will be able to see him.  Thanks in advance!! Love, Angie

Response:

Hiya Julie In the USA they use mg/dL for blood-sugar concentrations, while in Europe we use mmol/L (sometimes termed millimolar or mM). Roughly speaking, for glucose, 1 mmol/L equals about 18 mg/dL. Hope this helps,

Thanks that is really helpful. Love Beth — ("That I would be good if I got and stayed sick   That I would be good even if I gained ten pounds" –  Alanis Morissette)

Response:

What units do you guys use for measuring blood sugar? The values don’t sound quite right to me – we use mmol. Anyone help me out here.

Hi Beth, In the USA they use mg/dL for blood-sugar concentrations, while in Europe we use mmol/L (sometimes termed millimolar or mM). Roughly speaking, for glucose, 1 mmol/L equals about 18 mg/dL. Hope this helps, Julie A.

Response:

I’m having major problems with hypoglycemia. To the point my doctor thinks I may be "pre-diabetic".  I’m monitoring my levels each day now and keeping track of everything I eat. Not fun…..triggering. Nancy

May bear hugs comfort you…….

……and Angel wings protect you!

Response:

Hi Angie What units do you guys use for measuring blood sugar? The values don’t sound quite right to me – we use mmol. Anyone help me out here. BEth — ("That I would be good if I got and stayed sick   That I would be good even if I gained ten pounds" –  Alanis Morissette)

Response: