Hi, I am NOT diabetic but have episides of hypoglycaemia.Yesterday I had a blood glucose if 3.8mmol/L, today 3.9. Is this a 'hypo'?? Conflicting info

[Erica-Rose]

NON diabetic but get hypoglycemia. Is 3.8mmol/L or 3.9mmol/L considered a hypo? Conflicting answers.

 

[Zhnyaka]

for healthy people, this is not hypoglycemia. Diabetics consider this hypo only because they have insulin, which they have injected, and blood glucose can drop dangerously low. This won't happen to you because your pancreas won't continue to secrete insulin when your bg is low (exogenous insulin continues to work). For healthy people, even 3.3 on an empty stomach is the norm.
Don't worry, you're absolutely healthy

 

[Erica-Rose]

for healthy people, this is not hypoglycemia. Diabetics consider this hypo only because they have insulin, which they have injected, and blood glucose can drop dangerously low. This won't happen to you because your pancreas won't continue to secrete insulin when your bg is low (exogenous insulin continues to work). For healthy people, even 3.3 on an empty stomach is the norm.
Don't worry, you're absolutely healthy

Hi, many thanks!! I had a very low of less than 1.1 two weeks ago, so monitoring! xx

 

[Antje77]

Hi, many thanks!! I had a very low of less than 1.1 two weeks ago, so monitoring! xx

Did you test a 1.1 or did you go unconscious?

 

[Zhnyaka]

Hi, many thanks!! I had a very low of less than 1.1 two weeks ago, so monitoring! xx

Less than 1.1 it is hypoglycemia and very dangerous. Usually at 0.8 people fall unconscious. But it is possible that this is a device error. Just in case, drink sweet tea if it happens again

 

[Erica-Rose]

Did you test a 1.1 or did you go unconscious?

My monitor said 'low' (on two occasions) which was below 1.1mmol/L. Very new to it all, so learning. As my HbA1c was normal, not had any further GP follow-up. BUT, I know it's been low before, as had same symptoms. Thus - having to find info myself!

 

[Erica-Rose]

I have checked monitor since (against one from GP) and not faulty that I can see. I had symptoms when it was low, yes, very sweaty/exhausted/weak/shakey.

 

[lovinglife]

I have checked monitor since (against one from GP) and not faulty that I can see. I had symptoms when it was low, yes, very sweaty/exhausted/weak/shakey.

It may not have been the meter, it could have been faulty strips, it does happen, it’s happened to me a few times over the years and when I retest I get a acceptable number

 

[Erica-Rose]

It may not have been the meter, it could have been faulty strips, it does happen, it’s happened to me a few times over the years and when I retest I get a acceptable number

Thank you. Good to know! I tested each time twice, so would be 4x faulty strips. Have used same ones since and cross-checked = ok. Will just use better monitor from now on though! Thanks so much for replies - MUCH appreciated and helpful! x

 

[Lamont D]

There are other conditions such as mine, that are non diabetic.
Hypoglycaemia and not being diabetic or you get normal hba1c and fasting readings. But because of how Hypoglycaemia is caused, it could be for many reasons.
Mine is food related.
High 3mmols is not considered a hypo as such, but we all have different responses from a sugar crash, so it could feel like a hypo even though it is not hypo levels.
Any reading under 3.5 mmols is considered a hypo and you must correct the hypo.
Have you had any tests from the doctors?
If so, which ones?
To get a diagnosis you need tests from an endocrinologist if you keep getting low readings.
Also, a food diary might give you an idea of why you keep getting low (ish) readings!

If you not sure keep asking, keep testing when feeling awful.

 

[Glycemic]

I had symptoms at 3.8. Not sure why though but it's taken me two whole days to recover.

 

[Lamont D]

I had symptoms at 3.8. Not sure why though but it's taken me two whole days to recover.

Some hypos are worse than others, the levels of insulin that drive down blood glucose levels are the cause, dropping quickly into hypoglycaemia is worse than dropping gradually makes the symptoms worse.
There is also something that causes harsher symptoms, hypo sensitivity. It means that your body is adjusting to the lower carb dietary changes. And the decreasing episodes of hypoglycaemia you are having.
3.8 is not medically termed as a hypo, but we all have varying symptoms when going that low.

How are you finding coping with the condition? How low carb have you found you have to go to stop the hypos?

Best wishes.

 

[Glycemic]

Some hypos are worse than others, the levels of insulin that drive down blood glucose levels are the cause, dropping quickly into hypoglycaemia is worse than dropping gradually makes the symptoms worse.
There is also something that causes harsher symptoms, hypo sensitivity. It means that your body is adjusting to the lower carb dietary changes. And the decreasing episodes of hypoglycaemia you are having.
3.8 is not medically termed as a hypo, but we all have varying symptoms when going that low.

How are you finding coping with the condition? How low carb have you found you have to go to stop the hypos?

Best wishes.

I'm trying to go as low as 15 grams of carbs in a meal. I'm feeling very weak, lethargic and tired. When my bc went to 3.8 i also experienced (lack of oxygen to the brain as well as not being able to make a sentence). I had to ask my neighbour to come over and stay with me for an hour or so incase i comatosed. I had to eat two rows of dark chocolate to raise my bc to 5.9. but then two day on it still affected me both physically and mentally. I don't think that i have a grasp of it as yet, all i know is that some days i'm fine then bam it hits me for no reason. The day that it hit me the most was mainly due to stress. I don't think that my body can handle stress like it used to anymore. I've had a lot of stressful events in my life and was in constant fight or flight mode. It has to do with the cortisol and adrenals in the body that activated the pancreas to release glucose to calm down the body or something. I guess this is why drinking coffee for me gives me symptoms. As coffee tends to release cortisol into the blood stream. I'm finding that i'm very sensitive or at least my body is. Cannot drink alcohol on special occasions for the same reason. Tried it twice and dipped into a hypo both time couldn't even finish the 150ml glass.

 

[Lamont D]

I'm trying to go as low as 15 grams of carbs in a meal. I'm feeling very weak, lethargic and tired. When my bc went to 3.8 i also experienced (lack of oxygen to the brain as well as not being able to make a sentence). I had to ask my neighbour to come over and stay with me for an hour or so incase i comatosed. I had to eat two rows of dark chocolate to raise my bc to 5.9. but then two day on it still affected me both physically and mentally. I don't think that i have a grasp of it as yet, all i know is that some days i'm fine then bam it hits me for no reason. The day that it hit me the most was mainly due to stress. I don't think that my body can handle stress like it used to anymore. I've had a lot of stressful events in my life and was in constant fight or flight mode. It has to do with the cortisol and adrenals in the body that activated the pancreas to release glucose to calm down the body or something. I guess this is why drinking coffee for me gives me symptoms. As coffee tends to release cortisol into the blood stream. I'm finding that i'm very sensitive or at least my body is. Cannot drink alcohol on special occasions for the same reason. Tried it twice and dipped into a hypo both time couldn't even finish the 150ml glass.

I think you are still adjusting to the low carb and lower BG levels.
Maybe your cortisol and adrenal levels need checking.
Symptoms of anxiety is common with fluctuating BG levels. Once you have constant levels in and around normal, the symptoms of everything should reduce in intensity.
It is the liver that causes glucogenisis which is what you are referring to a liver dump of glucagon (glucose) straight into your bloodstream, which is the result of low energy levels. Being in or near ketosis, this doesn't happen as much. Because you are not getting your energy from carbs.
Your pancreas delivers insulin, which the glucose needs to convert into energy. Having an imbalance in your hormones can be another reason for symptoms and fluctuating BG levels. Insulin resistance, high insulin levels will have an effect as well! Hence the low carb diet!
Coffee, I don't drink! Yuk! Now tea! Lots of it! No milk or sugar, black and strong! Have you tried full cream with that instead of milk?
I am lactose intolerant, so no dairy since very young, just another food to avoid, along with wheat, grains, rice, potatoes and other non fresh food!
Another dietary recommendation I would ask you to consider, is some form of fasting. A natural fasting during 24 hours is when you sleep, it is natural to break fast, when you prepare for the day, but I don't! I only have a window in late afternoon between mid afternoon and four hours before bed! The reason for the four hours is so I don't go to bed in hypo levels.
Another reason is not becoming increasingly obsessed with food. Fasting and deciding when or whether to eat, is so much less stressful than planning your food every three or four hours, saves money, saves shopping and most importantly maintains BG levels, in control.
Intermittent fasting is great, so you can plan everything. I suspect you are already limiting your portions, and trying to limit your carbs, fasting will help. If you can!
During my diagnostic tests, the last one was a four day stay in hospital, this was to ascertain if fasting would cause hypoglycaemia, it didn't, for me! It was meant to be 72 hours, but it lasted 80 in total. I had the best bacon and eggs ever after!
Control of your BG levels is so important to reduce symptoms and negate hypoglycaemia.
No carbs, no spikes, - no spikes, no overshoot, - no overshoot, no hypo!

Finally, alcohol, I have not had any alcohol since the turn of the century. I couldn't cope with the after effects, the symptoms that made me ill, never mind a hangover! It took me a few days to get over having a single bottle of beer! It's the carbs! But I could tolerate a small dram of either single malt or bacardi, straight! Don't know why!
So, I've been teetotal about twenty years plus now! Just another avoidance of intake!

That is what it comes down to, choices of what you can tolerate. A balanced dietary regime, tailored to your lifestyle, your likes, affordability and availability.
Wether your vegan or carnivore or anything else, your nutritional requirements and avoidance of intolerant food is how to treat the condition.
I could say do this, that and other, but that is so wrong!
Your hypoglycaemia is different, because we all are in a lot of ways. But the overriding concern is to get you as healthy as possible. And going low carb is how you treat it, how you do low carb is up to you.
Another maxim, I've followed is, eat to your meter.
Keep a food diary, and find out, experiment to find that balance.
It's not easy, it will take time and patience, there are far too many temptations out there. But the rewards of your health is more than enough to motivate you. Having those hypos is more than enough to push you into doing the best you can to control this rare condition.

My best wishes

 

[Glycemic]

I think you are still adjusting to the low carb and lower BG levels.
Maybe your cortisol and adrenal levels need checking.
Symptoms of anxiety is common with fluctuating BG levels. Once you have constant levels in and around normal, the symptoms of everything should reduce in intensity.
It is the liver that causes glucogenisis which is what you are referring to a liver dump of glucagon (glucose) straight into your bloodstream, which is the result of low energy levels. Being in or near ketosis, this doesn't happen as much. Because you are not getting your energy from carbs.
Your pancreas delivers insulin, which the glucose needs to convert into energy. Having an imbalance in your hormones can be another reason for symptoms and fluctuating BG levels. Insulin resistance, high insulin levels will have an effect as well! Hence the low carb diet!
Coffee, I don't drink! Yuk! Now tea! Lots of it! No milk or sugar, black and strong! Have you tried full cream with that instead of milk?
I am lactose intolerant, so no dairy since very young, just another food to avoid, along with wheat, grains, rice, potatoes and other non fresh food!
Another dietary recommendation I would ask you to consider, is some form of fasting. A natural fasting during 24 hours is when you sleep, it is natural to break fast, when you prepare for the day, but I don't! I only have a window in late afternoon between mid afternoon and four hours before bed! The reason for the four hours is so I don't go to bed in hypo levels.
Another reason is not becoming increasingly obsessed with food. Fasting and deciding when or whether to eat, is so much less stressful than planning your food every three or four hours, saves money, saves shopping and most importantly maintains BG levels, in control.
Intermittent fasting is great, so you can plan everything. I suspect you are already limiting your portions, and trying to limit your carbs, fasting will help. If you can!
During my diagnostic tests, the last one was a four day stay in hospital, this was to ascertain if fasting would cause hypoglycaemia, it didn't, for me! It was meant to be 72 hours, but it lasted 80 in total. I had the best bacon and eggs ever after!
Control of your BG levels is so important to reduce symptoms and negate hypoglycaemia.
No carbs, no spikes, - no spikes, no overshoot, - no overshoot, no hypo!

Finally, alcohol, I have not had any alcohol since the turn of the century. I couldn't cope with the after effects, the symptoms that made me ill, never mind a hangover! It took me a few days to get over having a single bottle of beer! It's the carbs! But I could tolerate a small dram of either single malt or bacardi, straight! Don't know why!
So, I've been teetotal about twenty years plus now! Just another avoidance of intake!

That is what it comes down to, choices of what you can tolerate. A balanced dietary regime, tailored to your lifestyle, your likes, affordability and availability.
Wether your vegan or carnivore or anything else, your nutritional requirements and avoidance of intolerant food is how to treat the condition.
I could say do this, that and other, but that is so wrong!
Your hypoglycaemia is different, because we all are in a lot of ways. But the overriding concern is to get you as healthy as possible. And going low carb is how you treat it, how you do low carb is up to you.
Another maxim, I've followed is, eat to your meter.
Keep a food diary, and find out, experiment to find that balance.
It's not easy, it will take time and patience, there are far too many temptations out there. But the rewards of your health is more than enough to motivate you. Having those hypos is more than enough to push you into doing the best you can to control this rare condition.
My best wishes

Lamont,
Thank you so much for your wise words and the sharing of your experience. You are not only helping me but many others also who have come into this illness blindly and have no-one to not only advise them but to also share and to bounce back off of.
The medical community is so very contradictory in their own understanding of the condition that they pass this misinformation to the patients and we are left confused. So far i've had two doctors, two dietitians and one specialist who have given me conflicting information. Still waiting to see the endo to see what he recommends.

 

[Lamont D]

Lamont,
Thank you so much for your wise words and the sharing of your experience. You are not only helping me but many others also who have come into this illness blindly and have no-one to not only advise them but to also share and to bounce back off of.
The medical community is so very contradictory in their own understanding of the condition that they pass this misinformation to the patients and we are left confused. So far i've had two doctors, two dietitians and one specialist who have given me conflicting information. Still waiting to see the endo to see what he recommends.

Don't hold your breath!
The problem because it is a rare condition, is that, the science doesn't follow the advice in the text books!
Most would follow the mantra, you must have carbs! But as I have discovered, that I am carb intolerant!
I am lactose, sugar intolerant and obviously have an intolerance to certain foods that trigger the reaction.
I was told in my young days to stay away from dairy!
Well, if you use logic, that would mean I should stay away from carbs as well! But the lot of them still insist!
The medical profession don't like you being in ketosis.
Even when I was in professional sport, the nutritionist, dietician and doctor of the club insisted that it was impossible to be carb zero, continuously, because it would effect my brain function. It didn't!
If anything after my hospital fasting test, my brain function was much improved. I did have brain fog continually before diagnosis. I lost a lot of memories. But I am remembering more since!
The reasoning behind the advice to eat every three hours is similar to what a T1 would get. To stop going hypo!
But for us, the best thing for us, is to stop by not triggering the reaction, the overshoot of insulin! It is because I have followed advice from others and been relentless in discovering the science and of course my experience.

The main headline in Wikipedia is that it it's carb laden meals that causes the reaction. That is so wrong! It is in my case around 2-3% carbs. You may have a higher intolerance. But that is for you to find out!

I must mention a drug called sitagliptin, it is a diabetic drug that is designed to increase your first phase insulin response. There may be a couple of reasons for the first phase to be weak. Mine is low, even though I had a high level of useless insulin. This will help with keeping the spikes lower and the effect of the sudden high spike will reduce the symptoms. It won't matter if you are doing low carb. But as an effective drug to keep spikes low! I was on the drug for over five years, but it became apparent that I didn't need it!
But, if I was being initially diagnosed, sitagliptin might help, but as with all drugs, if you can tolerate it!
All I do is bring my experience, my findings, the logics of the science behind the reason how my body reacts with the intolerance. How I have stopped having hypos, how I have succeeded in getting my health back, and why if I hadnt, not be here!
Yes! I did have the endocrinologist who actually saved my life to get the praise he deserves for recognising the condition I had, the tests to confirm and his advice along with someone special on this site along with the lovely people on here who have supported me.
That is the main reason I'm still around! There are others across the world, that need help with this weird (yes, I've been called that by doctors) rare condition.
And, not many people have come across it!
My best wishes.
Keep asking and learning.

 

[Glycemic]

NON diabetic but get hypoglycemia. Is 3.8mmol/L or 3.9mmol/L considered a hypo? Conflicting answers.

If you have hypoglycaemia then what ever you do do not let your blood sugar go below 3.3 as 3.3 is the beginning of a hypo and you should eat something to increase your blood sugar back up to between 4 or 5 mmol

 

[Lamont D]

NON diabetic but get hypoglycemia. Is 3.8mmol/L or 3.9mmol/L considered a hypo? Conflicting answers.

Hi, my endocrinologist told me that if I was my BG levels go below 3.5, have something to nudge it back up.
Don't overtreat it because of the chance of a rebound effect.

It is different for T1s, as it would be around 4mmols.

Some T2s can and do go below the recommended levels.
If on meds, then a word with your doctor about dosage.

Non diabetic often go below 4mmols, and that is natural.

Hope that helps.