Please help sciencey people

[Dandelade]

Hi all,

I’ve got my hba1c down to 43, with low carb around 50g a day and about 1500 calories. I’m also taking levothyroxine for hypothyroidism.

When I’ve had a busy day, I get dizzy, nauseous and slurred speech. My blood sugar is around 5.5 when this happens so I thought this was due to the thyroid but latest results 6 weeks on from a dose increase suggest not.

Here’s the bit you knowledgable people might be able to help with your blood sugar knowledge. If I deliberately raise my blood sugar when I feel like this up to about 8 my head clears and can speak again, but it only lasts till the sugar goes back to a normal 5.5 If I just eat a protein or fat based snack it doesn’t help.

Why would this happen? On the face of it, is it simply I need to up the carbs for some reason to help with thyroid issues? How on Earth will the insulin resistance get any better if I do that? What would I even add back into my diet? I eat meat, fish, eggs, cheese, above ground veg, nuts at the moment.

Is something else happening? Am I actually not insulin resistant and it’s because I’m triggering a release of insulin when blood sugar is high that otherwise isn’t there? If so why would that be? If my brain needed glucose why wouldn’t it just take it from the blood, I wasn’t low at around 5.5?

Thank you reading and any ideas greatfully received.

 

[EllieM]

Thank you reading and any ideas greatfully received.

Well, sounds like this is one for your endocrinologist (so good they deal with both thryroid and blood sugar issues).

Is this a recent development? It can't be as simple as a false hypo? Have you tried taking your blood pressure when this happens (Totally clutching at straws here).

And it's only when you've had a busy day? Stress related?

If I deliberately raise my blood sugar when I feel like this up to about 8 my head clears and can speak again, but it only lasts till the sugar goes back to a normal 5.5

Are you saying you have to keep your bg up at 8 to resolve the issue, or the issue resolves once you've raised your bg and then it's gone back down to 5.5?

Hopefully you've got an endo appointment sooner rather than later. That doesn't sound like fun. Virtual hugs.

 

[Dandelade]

Well, sounds like this is one for your endocrinologist (so good they deal with both thryroid and blood sugar issues).

Is this a recent development? It can't be as simple as a false hypo? Have you tried taking your blood pressure when this happens (Totally clutching at straws here).

And it's only when you've had a busy day? Stress related?



Are you saying you have to keep your bg up at 8 to resolve the issue, or the issue resolves once you've raised your bg and then it's gone back down to 5.5?

Hopefully you've got an endo appointment sooner rather than later. That doesn't sound like fun. Virtual hugs.

Thanks for the reply @EllieM. Gosh no, not keeping myself at 8 to solve it! But if it goes up it resolves, then when it comes down it’s back. I only noticed as I was wearing a libre to see what was happening to sugars when it happens and then tried different snacks.

I don’t think it’s stress related? It happened once near the end of a nice but long day out. That’s why I presumed it was thyroid related, but the weird sugar response has thrown me. I’m fairly chill apart from stressed about speech going!

blood pressure is the one thing I haven’t checked actually - will borrow my mams! Thanks for the idea.

I do have a neurology appointment in March (after the time it was so bad i couldn’t walk or talk properly and went to a+e). Only just noticed the sugar thing so will push for endo referral after that if no luck.

 

[Member496333]

First thought is false hypo. If you’ve been running very high glucose for several years and quickly regain control, the body can struggle with normal glucose concentration. The feeling is of hypoglycaemia even though technically it’s not.

 

[Dandelade]

First thought is false hypo. If you’ve been running very high glucose for several years and quickly regain control, the body can struggle with normal glucose concentration. The feeling is of hypoglycaemia even though technically it’s not.

Thanks for reply @Jim Lahey - if it was false hypo how long would it take to go away? First hba1c was only 48, I got a handle with carbs in about 3 months down and I’m 9 months on from first hba1c.

 

[MrsA2]

When I’ve had a busy day, I get dizzy, nauseous and slurred speech

Totally left field, but in me, those are signs of an impending migraine. Quite often starts when stress stops or excitement eases. I also get brain fog, can't think straight. An immediate sleep, preferably in a dark room helps,
In trying to see what causes it I'm upping salt intake and hydration. I too ended up in a&e after my first major one 40 years ago

 

[Member496333]

Thanks for reply @Jim Lahey - if it was false hypo how long would it take to go away? First hba1c was only 48, I got a handle with carbs in about 3 months down and I’m 9 months on from first hba1c.

In that case it seems unlikely. I had a false hypo shortly after diagnosis when I hit 4.4mmol/L. Symptoms were similar to what you described but my blood at diagnosis could be used to make toffee apples. If you started out at 48mmol/mol then it’s not likely this explains your problem.

 

[Dandelade]

Totally left field, but in me, those are signs of an impending migraine. Quite often starts when stress stops or excitement eases. I also get brain fog, can't think straight. An immediate sleep, preferably in a dark room helps,
In trying to see what causes it I'm upping salt intake and hydration. I too ended up in a&e after my first major one 40 years ago

I hope you find something that helps you @MrsA2 before low carb I used to get migraines all the time I know they’re horrible. Unless it’s changed presentation in me this feels different, but hey who knows it might be!

 

[Dandelade]

In that case it seems unlikely. I had a false hypo shortly after diagnosis when I hit 4.4mmol/L. Symptoms were similar to what you described but my blood at diagnosis could be used to make toffee apples. If you started out at 48mmol/mol then it’s not likely this explains your problem.

Your toffee apple comment made me smile though! Glad to hear you’re doing better now.

 

[MrsA2]

. Unless it’s changed presentation in me this feels different, but hey who knows it might

Quite possible when you think of all the changes our bodies have been through
Look into salts, electrolytes, magnesium and hydration. Could be that any if them dropped suddenly, and coincidentally re added from whatever you ate, but only for a short time

 

[Dandelade]

Quite possible when you think of all the changes our bodies have been through
Look into salts, electrolytes, magnesium and hydration. Could be that any if them dropped suddenly, and coincidentally re added from whatever you ate, but only for a short time

I’m willing to give anything a go at this point and being well hydrated won’t do me any harm!

 

[Hertfordshiremum]

Hi all,

I’ve got my hba1c down to 43, with low carb around 50g a day and about 1500 calories. I’m also taking levothyroxine for hypothyroidism.

When I’ve had a busy day, I get dizzy, nauseous and slurred speech. My blood sugar is around 5.5 when this happens so I thought this was due to the thyroid but latest results 6 weeks on from a dose increase suggest not.

Here’s the bit you knowledgable people might be able to help with your blood sugar knowledge. If I deliberately raise my blood sugar when I feel like this up to about 8 my head clears and can speak again, but it only lasts till the sugar goes back to a normal 5.5 If I just eat a protein or fat based snack it doesn’t help.

Why would this happen? On the face of it, is it simply I need to up the carbs for some reason to help with thyroid issues? How on Earth will the insulin resistance get any better if I do that? What would I even add back into my diet? I eat meat, fish, eggs, cheese, above ground veg, nuts at the moment.

Is something else happening? Am I actually not insulin resistant and it’s because I’m triggering a release of insulin when blood sugar is high that otherwise isn’t there? If so why would that be? If my brain needed glucose why wouldn’t it just take it from the blood, I wasn’t low at around 5.5?

Thank you reading and any ideas greatfully received.

Hi I assume you were borderline type 2? I also take Levo for hypothyroidism. An endocrinologist deals with both diabetes, hypothyroidism and cortisol issues. I would definitely ask to see an endocrinologist and I would keep a food diary, does this happen when the carbs are below 50g a day? Have you looked up reverse T3 re your hypothyroidism? I would be asking for full thyroid panel blood test TSH T4 T3 and reverse T3 An endocrinologist would be your best bet but I would be keeping a sleep and food diary as well as it would probably be helpful to show them.

 

[Hertfordshiremum]

I’m willing to give anything a go at this point and being well hydrated won’t do me any harm!

I have a book that mentions reverse T3 I will try and find it tomorrow and post anything that might help you.

 

[Dandelade]

Hi I assume you were borderline type 2? I also take Levo for hypothyroidism. An endocrinologist deals with both diabetes, hypothyroidism and cortisol issues. I would definitely ask to see an endocrinologist and I would keep a food diary, does this happen when the carbs are below 50g a day? Have you looked up reverse T3 re your hypothyroidism? I would be asking for full thyroid panel blood test TSH T4 T3 and reverse T3 An endocrinologist would be your best bet but I would be keeping a sleep and food diary as well as it would probably be helpful to show them.

Hi there, yep borderline about 9 months ago. Will def push for endo. I’ve been keeping diary, good idea to add the sleep to it. I have about 50g carb a day now. I do wonder if that’s enough to trigger starvation mode with increased rt3?

 

[Dandelade]

I have a book that mentions reverse T3 I will try and find it tomorrow and post anything that might help you.

That’s very kind of you thank you! I know one of things you’re not supposed to do when hypothyroid is reduce calories but honestly I’m full. I’d either be eating on a full stomach or downing a pot of cream/ bag of nuts for the hell of it. Maybe I should should give that a go!

 

[VashtiB]

Well you have had a lot of things thrown at you and it's good that you are keeping a diary- anything that gives your endocrinologist information is good. I have been feeling a bit tired and sometime dizzy- in my case though the blood tests showed I was low on salt. I think it almost killed my GP to tell me to eat more salt. I would never have considered lack of salt would be a problem. Our bodies are so complex that it's good that we have specialist and the blood tests available. I really hope your doctor has some ideas!

Good luck

 

[Dandelade]

Well you have had a lot of things thrown at you and it's good that you are keeping a diary- anything that gives your endocrinologist information is good. I have been feeling a bit tired and sometime dizzy- in my case though the blood tests showed I was low on salt. I think it almost killed my GP to tell me to eat more salt. I would never have considered lack of salt would be a problem. Our bodies are so complex that it's good that we have specialist and the blood tests available. I really hope your doctor has some ideas!

Good luck

Yes thank you, I really appreciate the replies from everyone, it’s given me some things to trial. Eating salt, I can imagine the gp struggling to say that! This week is moving the timings of eating so a bigger lunch. Then I’ll work my way through them.

Honestly I was getting really down about it all tonight, but having this supportive corner of the internet has helped. Thank you again to everyone.

 

[VashtiB]

Yes- it's one of the things I love about this site- lots of people wanting to help.

I really hope you find the cause so you can prevent it the future- Good luck.

 

[Dandelade]

Update! I think I have worked it out and solved the issue, after a really helpful message from a member here.

I was counting my carbs from veg, eating different combinations of meat,veg,diary,nuts to keep to around 50g per day. I knew with hypothyroidism some people react badly to below this, due to some carbs needed to convert the levothyroxine pill to the active T3. So I thought I was doing alright.

Until the suggestion (which came third hand from an endocrinologist) not to count the carbs in veg as they aren’t digested very quickly due to their fibre content. Since then I’ve put back in milk and yoghurt to my diet to get the carbs up to 50g without using veg (I suppose I’m probably around 100g in total now). NO SYMPTOMS for around 3 weeks now - woo woo!

I’m totally guessing but it seems to have been the insulin resistance, together with low carb, together with hypothyroid.

Anyway, thank you to everybody again. Would a helpful mod please change the title to insulin resistance, low carb, thyroid problems so anybody with a similar problem in the future can find it easier in the search?

 

[Deleted member 475901]

Several possible reasons, and some have suggested migraine.
I saw a neurologist about another issue a few years ago and as part of my history he diagnosed 'silent migraine'. This was based on a prior history of migraine associated with my menstrual cycle (which I thought had resolved) and current symptoms of nausea lasting a day or two followed by a need to sleep and extra brain fog.