Diabetic Diet & Blood Gluecose

OK, so i know hypoglycemia is low blood sugar and something about not being able to turn glucose into glycogen, but why can’t it? and what does insulin have to do with it? whats the best way to manage not fainting if you do have it?

Dear Chan Ell,

Your question actually asks about the 2 sides of the blood glucose issue. HYPOglycemia indicates that either you consume too few carbohydrates (sugars) or your pancreas produces too much of the hormone that metabolizes (uses up) your carbs. HYPERglycemia indicates that your pancreas produces too little or no insulin to metabolize the carbs, so the sugar will be too high (not metabolized).

Fainting can occur in either extreme, but fainting from low blood sugar (HYPOglycemia) can be fatal. If you have diabetes, please be sure that someone in your household is informed that he/she must feed you something very sweet – like orange juice, Pepsi or Coca Cola immediately. You should also have pure glucose (tubes sold in any drug store), gel or tablets, and let family/friends know where it is at all times to be used in an emergency.

Insulin must only be used in case of HYPERglycemia (high blood sugar) and can only be gotten with a doctor’s prescription.

Your question(s) indicate that you really should speak with your doctor about this whole matter. If it is for you or a family member, a simple, routine blood test (called A1c) can be done to learn whether someone has HYPO or HYPERglycemia. Please don’t wait. Then you’ll have nothing to wonder about or fear. OK?

Went to doc for physical this week and fasting blood glucose was 119; scheduled for recheck next week with additional follow-up if still high. This morning, having not eaten in 10 hours, I checked using my husband’s glucometer, and level was at 130. Checked the machine to ensure it was calibrated appropriately and checked again. Upon recheck, within minutes, it then read 117. (OK, still too high for fasting, but…..)
Why does it fluctuate like that?

Just answering questions for 2 points.

My doctor suggested I get a blood glucose meter (I am not diabetic but am overweight and it runs in my family, I want to do everything I can to not get it). If I am not diabetic but want to watch my blood sugar levels how often and when should I test? I am a college student and I don’t have much money so I don’t want to test more often then I should. Should I test before I eat? After? And how long before or after I eat should I test? Help is appreciated!

I have the same problem and just started testing my own blood sugar. Of course, you should follow your doctors recommendations, but usually it’s a good idea to check your glucose levels at two times:

Fasting glucose – in the morning, after not eating for at least 8 hours

2 hour postprandial – 2 hours after a meal

If you are not diabetic, you probably don’t need to test both these times everyday. Two or three times a week would probably be OK. Again, you might want to check with the doc that suggested you get the meter in the first place.

In any case, be sure to keep a record of your readings to show your doctor. Fasting glucose should be between 60 – 99. Readings between 100 – 126 indicate Impaired Glucose Tolerance (IGT, also known as "pre-diabetes") Fasting glucose levels above 126 indicate diabetes.

Hope this helps. I myself already have IGT and I am trying to lose weight and exercise in an attempt to avoid becoming diabetic. It really does seem to be working, especially the exercise

Good luck to you.

In June of this year I was diagnosed as having reactive hypoglycemia which is borderline diabetic. I need to know how I can lose weight because I am at my heaviest weight. I have been taking walks daily for 30 minutes for the pass few years. I have stopped taking walks as often since my younger brother passed in May of this.

Hey! Good for you for taking charge of your health and exercising. Firstly, any exercise is good, but there’s a lot of data to show that moderate to intense exercise for a minimum of 60 minutes a week (150-180 is ideal) is tremendously beneficial, and in particular, that interval training (alternating between [low and medium], [low and high], or [medium and high] intensity exercise is the best for both fitness and weight loss. This might mean alternating calesthenics with marching on the spot, or alternating walking and jogging (jogging and running), or walking up and down stairs.

You should discuss a fitness plan with your doctor, to make sure it’s OK.

Also, there is a recent study that shows portion control with the help of dining plates marked with suggested portions are very effective in aiding weight loss in diabetics.