Anyone else have problems with low sodium?

[Emma Dunn]

I’m 62, Type 1 diabetes for 50 years, inject insulin daily. On Sertraline 100mg for 10 years now.

At 59, I ate only 1100 calories a day — weighed every bite, tracked everything, used less insulin — and lost 3 stones. That proves I have discipline, no question.

Three years later — same dose Sertraline, same diabetes, same strict habits — I raised to just 1300 calories a day only to stop being dangerously hungry and avoid low blood sugars. Over 18 months I gained back 1½ stones/20lbs — and I had to use a little more insulin to stay safe.

Everyone around me says “just eat less, move more — you did it before so it’s your fault”. Even my best friend thinks it’s willpower. I feel like I’m making excuses, like all those people say “it’s my meds” and sound like liars. But I know I never sneak food, never cheat, never sit around more than I have to.

Do any of you understand this? Sertraline building up over time, making insulin store fluid and fat instead of burn it? Slow, invisible side effects that turn the same diet into something that piles weight on?

I just want to know I’m not crazy, not a failure, and not alone in this. Thank you for reading

 

[ElenaP]

I’m 62, Type 1 diabetes for 50 years, inject insulin daily. On Sertraline 100mg for 10 years now.

At 59, I ate only 1100 calories a day — weighed every bite, tracked everything, used less insulin — and lost 3 stones. That proves I have discipline, no question.

Three years later — same dose Sertraline, same diabetes, same strict habits — I raised to just 1300 calories a day only to stop being dangerously hungry and avoid low blood sugars. Over 18 months I gained back 1½ stones/20lbs — and I had to use a little more insulin to stay safe.

Everyone around me says “just eat less, move more — you did it before so it’s your fault”. Even my best friend thinks it’s willpower. I feel like I’m making excuses, like all those people say “it’s my meds” and sound like liars. But I know I never sneak food, never cheat, never sit around more than I have to.

Do any of you understand this? Sertraline building up over time, making insulin store fluid and fat instead of burn it? Slow, invisible side effects that turn the same diet into something that piles weight on?

I just want to know I’m not crazy, not a failure, and not alone in this. Thank you for reading

I am sorry that you seem to have a problem with putting on weight. However, I think you may be talking about two different things in your message, because the title refers to low sodium.
I suffer from chronic low sodium, as does my sister. At least in our case, it is not caused by any medication. In our case, there is nothing that can be done about it. A few years ago, the GP asked me to restrict fluids for a couple of weeks, but sodium readings stayed low.
I hope someone else will comment on rest of your message.

 

[Emma Dunn]

Hi thanks for reply. I put low sodium although I went on to talk about weight too! Low sodium wasn’t a problem before but it seems10 years on Sertraline has now caused low sodium. I increased salt in diet but it out blood pressure up . Thanks

 

[Emma Dunn]

I had meant to include low sodium but I did start to ramble on a bit. I have severe depression that’s why Sertraline was prescribed. I’m not sure if low sodium or weight issues are Sertraline e related but it’s trial and error and it sees a common side effect on line. Just trying to live with tape 1 weight issue and depression ! Also got LVH and take losartan. Anyone else ? Thanks

 

[ElenaP]

Hi thanks for reply. I put low sodium although I went on to talk about weight too! Low sodium wasn’t a problem before but it seems10 years on Sertraline has now caused low sodium. I increased salt in diet but it out blood pressure up . Thanks

Beetroot will lower blood pressure. Beetroot can be eaten raw (grated), roasted or steamed. Do not boil beetroot, otherwise the goodness will go into the cooking liquid.
Most often I eat beetroot grated, with a home-made
French dressing.