Fasting & Reactive Hypoglycaemia

[PraxxtorCruel]

For about a year I've been experiencing symptoms I believe are of Hypoglycaemia. I experience nightmares, difficulty falling off to sleep in the night, sweating, shivers, yawning, tremors, blurred vision, dilated pupils, facial pallor, headaches, extreme fatigue (particularly after meals) and 24/7 hunger and palpitations. I also experience cold chills which can last hours after meals. These symptoms are daily occurrences and always prominent either after meals or when fasting.

Last week I went to see a doctor who ran the Ha1bc test. Results are "normal". Anyways I am unsurprised as I did not feel I had diabetes. What I believe I am experiencing is Fasting & Reactive Hypoglycaemia on a daily basis.

As I reminded the doctor of my possible low blood sugar symptoms I was simply told that "Everybody experiences these symptoms, they are normal. Nothing screams out dangerous." I am booked in to see another doctor and as many more as needed until someone takes me seriously. Before this I got a diagnosis of POTS Syndrome and when I used to complain of my heart rate they told me the same thing. So as you can see I have very little faith in them.

Is Hypoglycaemia not taken seriously by doctors if you are not diabetic? Should I just drop the case since the blood test came out normal?

I used to be a regular runner and lately when I exercise I am experiencing extreme chills, yawning and shakiness after exercise.

Thanks in advance!

 

[catherinecherub]

Hi @PraxxtorCruel,

There are people on the forum who have reactive hypoglycaemia.
There is a board here,

http://www.diabetes.co.uk/forum/threads/reactive-hypoglycaemia.71083/

I will tag @nosher8355 for you.

 

[Lamont D]

Hi
You sound to me you have a version of RH.
If you read the thread that catherinecherub linked you will learn a lot about RH
If you want a source of good info, Wikipedia has the best that I have found.

You are right most docs haven't got a clue, even some endocrinologist. There are a few,
I would ask for a referral to a specialist in unusual pancreatic conditions.

If you have any more questions, ask away @PraxxtorCruel

 

[Lamont D]

If you have any type of non diabetic Hypoglycaemia, then your fasting blood glucose levels are always normal. My fasting blood glucose level is rarely above 5mmols. Have not had an hba1c for about 3 years.

 

[PraxxtorCruel]

@catherinecherub

Thank you for the link, I managed to read through all 5 pages and I definitely found it enlightening.

@nosher8355

Agreed Wikipedia does go into quite a bit of detail. I thought MerckManuals description of "Hypoglycaemia" was really good and it's shorter for those with a shorter attention span (like myself).

It's as good as I'm making everything up since my HBA1C test came back normal. How frustrating. Should I just mention the condition that I believe I should be investigated for? Will that be too direct? How can I hint so that they'd be willing to help and at the same time not overstepping on their territory?

Like yourself, I've done an immense amount of reading into Hypoglycaemia and have noted that meals always exascerbate my symptoms. I literally experience every single symptom of Hypoglycaemia bar the severe ones of course!

Thank you for all the information!

I assume it's best if I refer to your Reactive Hypoglycaemic thread for any further questions!

 

[Lamont D]

@catherinecherub

Thank you for the link, I managed to read through all 5 pages and I definitely found it enlightening.

@nosher8355

Agreed Wikipedia does go into quite a bit of detail. I thought MerckManuals description of "Hypoglycaemia" was really good and it's shorter for those with a shorter attention span (like myself).

It's as good as I'm making everything up since my HBA1C test came back normal. How frustrating. Should I just mention the condition that I believe I should be investigated for? Will that be too direct? How can I hint so that they'd be willing to help and at the same time not overstepping on their territory?

Like yourself, I've done an immense amount of reading into Hypoglycaemia and have noted that meals always exascerbate my symptoms. I literally experience every single symptom of Hypoglycaemia bar the severe ones of course!

Thank you for all the information!

I assume it's best if I refer to your Reactive Hypoglycaemic thread for any further questions!

As long as you keep posting, it doesn't matter where you post.
If you ask for a referral to an endocrinologist, that specialises in Hypoglycaemia, then you can steer the way forward. Do not be afraid of suggesting anything. I would imagine that the specialist will suggest tests anyway. If you keep a diary and keep a record of your blood glucose levels before and 1 hours,2 hours, 3 hours after eating, then you have a good chance of persuading any doctor to get tests done.

Hope this helps.

 

[himtoo]

completely agree with nosher above -- testing post meal will provide the proof along with keeping a food diary.

I have known a couple of reactives in my life and the scary bit is eating because of what happens to your BG.

keep pushing with the medical people and keep posting here too -- great people willing to help !!

( sorry only a T1 so not able to add much more )

 

[PraxxtorCruel]

@nosher8355

I will try to convince the GP tomorrow that I would benefit in seeing an Endocrinologist. I'm apprehensive in suggesting as I've had bad experiences in the past. I'm going to start off by mentioning the symptoms I experience followed by hearing what they have to say. If things don't pan out from the doctor's side then I will suggest Reactive Hypoglycaemia. I won't have any data to provide for tomorrow's appointment but if I walk out empty-handed then I shall start recording the data that you've suggested! Thank you Nosher!

@himtoo

Wow I absolutely love the people of this forum. Never have I come across a more friendly and helpful bunch! I see now that going in with some concrete evidence would've been the right thing to do. My reasoning for going empty-handed is because I find it difficult to prick my finger. I know!!!
That's exactly how I feel too and what makes it so more difficult is the constant desire to eat all the time. I'm always hungry and struggling with maintaining my weight. Oh joy! You've been very helpful too Himtoo!

I'll report back how my doc appointment goes!

 

[Lamont D]

@nosher8355

I will try to convince the GP tomorrow that I would benefit in seeing an Endocrinologist. I'm apprehensive in suggesting as I've had bad experiences in the past. I'm going to start off by mentioning the symptoms I experience followed by hearing what they have to say. If things don't pan out from the doctor's side then I will suggest Reactive Hypoglycaemia. I won't have any data to provide for tomorrow's appointment but if I walk out empty-handed then I shall start recording the data that you've suggested! Thank you Nosher!

@himtoo

Wow I absolutely love the people of this forum. Never have I come across a more friendly and helpful bunch! I see now that going in with some concrete evidence would've been the right thing to do. My reasoning for going empty-handed is because I find it difficult to prick my finger. I know!!!
That's exactly how I feel too and what makes it so more difficult is the constant desire to eat all the time. I'm always hungry and struggling with maintaining my weight. Oh joy! You've been very helpful too Himtoo!

I'll report back how my doc appointment goes!

Hi @PraxxtorCruel

Good luck tomorrow.

Suggest a prolonged oral glucose tolerance test. Tell him the symptoms are worse after 3-4 hours after eating.
May I suggest, irrespective of what your doctor says, that you try low carb meals little and often, once you get over the hunger symptoms and gain control of your blood sugars. I guarantee you will feel better..
It would be suggested by all the best doctors anyway.

Let us know how you get on.