Prediabetes Don't understand - reactive Hypoglycemia

[Greeny79]

Hi guys
I have been ill for a while more with Hypo symptoms such as severe sweating, fatigue, faint/dizzy spells, mood swings, confusion, clumsy etc
I had some bloods done a few weeks ago and was called back in for some more but fasting this time (didn't say why/what)
I have tested myself when having symptoms and a few times caught bloods at between 3.0-3.7 but when I had my bloods done at the docs I felt reasonably ok (my fasting test was done half an hour after getting up and I'm usually fine for about an hour of getting up then I start to feel funny)

Anyway had bloods yesterday and today saw the doc, first thing he said is are you a big drinker ..no ..right well you have some liver function issues (high cholesterol I think he said as well) and something else which are all linked to fat in the blood (like I say I get confused so can't remember word for word) also your bloods were raised and close to diabetic levels (think he meant the ones that measure over 2 months but could be wrong) I used over 60 strips in a month or less and highest I saw was 7 and rarely was it above 5.9

Anyway I mentioned my symptoms (the reason I am there in the first place and the fact they are controlling my life totally and can't even work) and he seemed baffled, told me hypoglycemia was something diabetics got due to drugs etc (despite all I have seen about reactive hypos etc on the net) and this is also the diabetic expert at my docs surgery

All I came out with was lose weight and eat less (both are difficult considering how I get after 3/4 hours without food and the fact I am so fatigued I often can't exercise (I cycle or walk 2-4 times a week usually) about 2 stone overweight maybe more, but he didn't give me anything to go on other than that, didn't confirm if I was pre-diabetic, denied reactive hypoglycemia existed and basically just left there more confused than when I went in, also very angry as its ruining my life, goes on much longer and I will be going to the docs and ringing ambulances everyday till they find out whatever it is wrong with me because I am desperate

Any advice much appreciated , P.s I have stopped eating simple carbs almost totally just having OJ or glucose tabs when hypo symptoms appear sometimes but try not to in case I have a rebound later.
I just want to know what is wrong with me and get sorted before I lose the will

cheers
Greeny

 

[forge]

I cut out all grain related products all starchy products (I guess they are not simple carbs) plus all types of sugar and limited fruit.I made the difference up with nut flours and veg.

It made a huge difference

 

[Indy51]

There are a number of forum members here who have diagnosed with reactive hypoglycemia, so it might be worthwhile doing a search for that term. I'm fairly sure @Brunneria is one, but can't recall the other members off hand. If your doc is so out of touch that he thinks the condition doesn't exist, then it sounds like you need a new doc. ISTR that @nosher8355 may also have it.

 

[Greeny79]

Thanks Indy

 

[LittleGreyCat]

Consider changing your doctor, or at least ask to see a specialist.

A quick Google turns up
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Hypoglycaemia/Pages/Causes.aspx
which flags up liver problems as one of the possible causes of Reactive Hypoglycaemia.

From my reading, the most common cause of RH in non-diabetics is an over production of insulin after meals heavy in carbohydrates.
If you eat low carb, with the majority of your food being fats and protein, and you still get the symptoms then it looks like something fairly rare, which is why seeing a specialist is probably a good idea.

On the subject of eating less - you don't have to go without eating, or miss out meals.
Have you considered having regular protein snacks?
Having regular fat heavy snacks?
With emphasis on 'snack' - that is a small portion.

A cold sausage and/or a hand full of nuts every couple of hours might keep you on a level keel.
Small portion of cheese.
A portion of cooked oily fish such as salmon, and some full fat mayo - I like this rolled in a lettuce leaf.
Hard boiled egg.

All these kind of things should keep you from feeling hungry and also stop you eating too much.
They should help reduce insulin production as well.

Hope this helps.

LGC

Edit: forgot to ask - are you on any medication?

 

[Greeny79]

Hi mate

Yeah my liver bloods levels came back raised, Trigs and fats or something, left pretty much in the dark though and to get on with it, all I got was a crude drawing of what a plate of food should look like, felt like punching him the patronizing sod, good job i didn't have the energy and was too dizzy to get up

I went into the diabetic center at hospital on my own bat on friday after having an ECG and told her what was happening (I was sweating badly but no other symptoms at the time) she tested me there and it was 7.5 but I had just eaten (a healthy wholegrain turkey meatball wrap from a health food take out place) about 45 mins/ 1 hour prior

I am on a few tablets for depression, fluoxetine, propranolol and zopiclone sleeping tablets

I'm bloody fed up with it all and its not the above causing it as been in them years (apart from changed anti depressants 3/4 times)