Reactive Hypoglycaemia Help! Really Struggling.

[Melgar]

Hi Catkysydney, I’m burning in the sun, but your summers are intense ! Winters can be a refreshing break, I‘m on an island off the British Columbia coast. So we have the water to edge down the intense heat of the interior. Same for the seriously cold weather. We are temperate

My blood sugars can be all over the place, including normal. I did try the Keto diet, but it hardly made a dent in my blood sugars. I did it for 9 months. I was renovating a cottage that I owned on the East coast at the same time. It was a shell, down to the studs, so a lot of work. Even with the small amount of carbs and the physical activity my blood sugars hardly moved.

Yes the liver dumps when your blood sugars start to drop. It places a very important role in the regulation blood sugar. The trouble with mine is that my liver was failing to correct the low blood sugars and my blood sugars would just keep falling until I intervened. So increasing my carbs helped. That was the advice given by my Dr at the time and the diabetic nurse.It worked, but of course there was an increase at the other end.

My LDL cholesterol is out of range, on the high end, my HDL is okay, but my Triglycerides are low, at 0.54 Mmol/ls They dropped from 0.61 a few months ago. I think 0.40 is when they have to pursue it. At the moment my Dr is concerned with the imbalance. It points to Hyperthyroidism but my TSH is in the normal range at 1.12 Mul/L so I don’t know. I have read that TSH can be a Bit iffy when trying to diagnose thyroid problems. I know next to nothing about Thyroid issues.

Ha, I can have a certain amount of full fat cream, but only so much. I can eat cheese, but not cheap cheese. That sounds awful, but those cheaper blocks of cheese tend to be fatty and makes me feel sick. I splash out and by the quality cheeses.

On LDL‘s check out The Plot Thickens by Malcolm Kendrick . The book was recommended to me by another member. Kendrick argues, that LDL‘s have been demonized. It’s a good book, and Kendrick puts up a convincing argument. Worth a read. I got it on Kindle.
And a wave from the Canadian West coast, home of Salmon and cedar lol.

 

[Catkysydney]

I like this thread.
I will be back after,
UK, Aus and Can. Having something similar but individual.
Wow!

Yes ! This has become very international!!
We have in common but different condition in a different medical systems in our countries.

It is very interesting!
You have started Reactive Hypoglycemia forum , right ?
I think this forum is the only one to discuss Reactive Hypoglycemia.. I sincerely appreciate your initiative, Lamont ! You may not know how much you are helping others !!!! Thank you very, very much !‍‍‍

 

[Lamont D]

Yes ! This has become very international!!
We have in common but different condition in a different medical systems in our countries.

It is very interesting!
You have started Reactive Hypoglycemia forum , right ?
I think this forum is the only one to discuss Reactive Hypoglycemia.. I sincerely appreciate your initiative, Lamont ! You may not know how much you are helping others !!!! Thank you very, very much !‍‍‍

I am not going to tell the saga again!!!!!
Way back after diagnosis, I was like everyone else googling RH for info.
There wasn't much and most of it wasn't logical.
And being advised to look up a low carb diet which still included low GI carbs, I arrived here, with a million questio questions.
it was very supportive but only one poster had ever heard of it.
And that is because, like us, she scoured the internet looking for answers.
she had become diabetic because of the time spent looking for answers to her symptoms and by BG levels.
she became my friend and mentor.
And over time we noticed more questions from others wanting answers.
The website was expanding, and because she had influence and a bit of brashness, backed by myself and others, we asked admin to have our own forum.
which they did.
I'm very proud of the work we have done to promote the cause of finding the best way to help all the other hypoglycaemic types as well.
I have learned so much. An open curious mind, and an ability to help others through the minefield of starting with their own diagnosis. To encourage, to try and answer, to give them more than just eat low carb.
To help understand the science, the workings of our bodys, explain the reason behind symptoms if we can.
Explain intolerance, explain why spikes should be avoided, even why it is called 'reactive '?
Why we are different and totally weird!!!!!!

My mentor still lurks, don't you @Brunneria ?
She keeps an eye on me.
And a true friend that helped me so much, when I was floundering.

That is it.
It is funny that, being helpful can be so rewarding. And helping crosses borders and continents.

I do hope you enjoy your journey to Europe.
Let us know how these countries treat you.

My best wishes from Beatlesland.

 

[Melgar]

You are an inspiration @Lamont D . I often visit the RH forum, firstly because it’s very interesting; and secondly I get hypos and my blood sugars are unstable, for whatever reason; and thirdly, because you and everyone here have something that few people have heard of, including GP’s. You inspire me because you started this forum, did all the research to find out what the hell it was. And now you are helping those with the same condition.

I and now I believe one other has a weird form of diabetes that doesn’t fit in the type 2 box. You powered through to find out what is causing your unusual symptoms and that inspires me To learn and find out mine because the medical community sticks you in the T2 box because they have no where else to put you. So I second @Catkysydney comments.

 

[Lamont D]

You are an inspiration @Lamont D . I often visit the RH forum, firstly because it’s very interesting; and secondly I get hypos and my blood sugars are unstable, for whatever reason; and thirdly, because you and everyone here have something that few people have heard of, including GP’s. You inspire me because you started this forum, did all the research to find out what the hell it was. And now you are helping those with the same condition.

I and now I believe one other has a weird form of diabetes that doesn’t fit in the type 2 box. You powered through to find out what is causing your unusual symptoms and that inspires me To learn and find out mine because the medical community sticks you in the T2 box because they have no where else to put you. So I second @Catkysydney comments.

Thank you for the praise.
I just think that anyone, like yourself, who is put in the T2 dumping ground, but knows that something isn't ringing true, needs the tests and the experience of an endocrinologist who has actual experience of hypoglycaemia.
Any Hypoglycaemic that has episodes recurring regularly, needs a true diagnosis and the facts how the body actually works, and why food is intrinsic in the treatment of some if not all metabolic conditions.
The rising number of food intolerance cases, of food issues far more prevalent with the food industry using more and more unnatural ingredients.
And of course junk food.
There is a correlation between modern diets and T2 with similar conditions that are not diabetic or as you say are a weird form of T2.
Finding the cause is in itself another mystery for most of us unless it is something obvious from medical intervention such as steroids.
And one of the latest outcomes of medical intervention causing hypoglycaemia is the gastric band, glucose dumping, because of the rapid conversion to glucose the imbalance to a higher spike and the second phase insulin overshoot. Typically RH symptoms.
We have had a few of those in the forum, however the after operations care is more enlightened to the side effects and how to use a low carb intake to help with the reaction.
I found myself in a canoe without a paddle. I used my intelligence (ha!) I used a food diary to help me understand what food did to me, I followed the trends from my glucometer, I weighed up, which foods were healthy for me, and then deciding to avoid those foods which would trigger the spikes.
I learned how wheat is so different now, from when I was young, how only animal fats are healthy for, vegetable oil and other oils are not good.
And of course how hormones have a huge say in our health, never mind insulin.
So much to sort through.
So much to keep an eye on.
So much is weird.Best wishes.

 

[Melgar]

Much deserved @Lamont D.
Trying to get an appointment with an endocrinologist here is like asking for peace on this earth. I agree, diets and D2 are related. Digestive issues in general have a consequence on our systems for DM 1 and 2 in general. Pre DM I was on a Mediterranean diet for the longest time. I love Lebanese food, but it didn’t help prevent my diabetes. My intestines are likely damaged from the coeliac, especially as I had duodenal ulcers. They kept testing for H Pylori, but all the tests were negative. 3 x I got tested for the bacteria, all negative. I know this bacteria causes big problems in the gut. It would be interesting to see how many people with Type 2 have H pylori in their gut. It’s interesting that we both are lactose intolerant. Lactose intolerance usually walks alongside Coeliac as does fructose intolerance. As I have said before, I’ve been lactose intolerant for decades, but it didn’t go away when I went 100% gluten free, unlike my fructose intolerance which did go away.

 

[Melgar]

Sorry I somehow pressed the post reply before I had finished. I’m very iffy with animal fats. I do use olive oil which is better tolerated, but still I have to be careful. I don’t digest fats very well and if I have a very fatty meal, which is a very rare thing, I get nausea and then steatorrhea. That alone puts the breaks on fatty or greasy food. Creating your meals from scratch was a turning point in my life. I was a person who ate at restaurants. Mainly because I worked long hours and I was too tired, or it was inconvenient to cook myself. I grew up with home cooking, except for Friday’s when we had a vesta curry. I eat simple foods which I can throw together easily. I started using Gordon Ramsay’s 30 min meals and went from there. My brother is a chef, he can whip up a meal with an old carrot and a few bits and pieces from the fridge and it’s a feast. I do have to prepare. The demise of home cooking is one of the major problems in our dietary life. People buy in all kinds of manufactured products from the supermarkets with god knows what in them. Here in Canada we have TV ads marketing fast food. Greasy burgers, dripping in fat, sandwiched between a big bap. Can you imagine the blood sugar spike from that? And undiagnosed type 2 generates unbelievable hunger, as the brain believes it’s starving because of the effects of IR. And The hysterical reaction to carbs by the pancreas in RH We don’t in general have balance in our meals.

And as you say our hormones are all over the place. Interestingly Insulin has a big impact on our body, not just regulating blood sugar, it is a hub for many other hormonal processes in our bodies.
We could go on lol.
Have a lovely evening.

 

[Lamont D]

My lactose intolerance was with me from very young as a baby my mum told me.
And even when in school, I had a lot of fun with school dinners, being told that despite my mums explanations and my protestations, a letter from my GP and meetings with the headmistress it finally came about that I could get a choice of refuse what was on offer.
This is early sixties in a deprived area.
Still re building from the war, and not a lot on offer to be honest.
And with three older brothers and both parents trying to make a living. Father fought in Burma, and suffered for it. Health issues caused job opportunities.
I remember getting some tropical fruit for the first time and loving it.
no fructose intolerance but I still have to be careful, only limited pieces in the window.
but I did eat as much fruit as I could when in my teens and an app!e a day etc.....

for an Englishman, (mostly Welsh, ssh) I am not impressed with a Sunday roast, the roast meat yes, but I prefer something else rather than the trimmings, the other half is Yorkshire, so the pic is out straight away, the cooked get is not anywhere near my p!are (yuk)
An English breakfast without the carbs is my preference.
And in my last job, travelling around, staying in hotels I was in charge of where we stayed and always managed to talk to chefs, kitchen staff and get freshly cooked meals, not in oils or filled in sauces and such.
grilled gammon and egg, was usually the main choice.
I have to say, the hotels never had an i ssue with my choices and had all the information for the food standards for the likes of us.
I think the worst was a five star exclusive hotel in London that didn't cater in house other than the menu, the cuisine was mainly french, and wouldn't deviate from it. So we went instead to the local cafe.
The chain of hotels we usually stayed in had a wonderful range of low carb options and it was help yourself.
That was the only days back then that I had a morning meal.
And that was because of the chance of missing some food around the afternoon.
just thought the time at Wembley, the new hotel in the area around the stadium, the food was disgusting.
it was cheap and nasty for a hotel chain. No options and either undercooked or just cold. No low carb options, understaffed and just awful.
We didn't stay there again and I made sure, it was our usual hotel in London.
I just add that I'm a walker, and I find walking around tempers my BG levels, and helps with control, crops my levels a few points say from 6.0 to 5.5 mmols, and of course I can't do vigorous exercise cos of the liver dumps.
but it can be so relaxing and cathartic.
Did a lot of walking when young, kept me fit for sport, running and my adult main job on a production line in a car factory. On my feet all day or on nights. And with four kids, kept me busy. Now it's the grandkids.
maybe that is why I developed restless legs.

best wishes Mel.

 

[Melgar]

My uncle was a POW in Burma. He never spoke about it. The horror of it is unimaginable.
Ha, I love genetics. So you are a Welsh and Yorkshire man. Are your family from North Wales? And which part of Yorkshire? it’s such a big county. I am most comfortable in the mountains. I was born in Staffordshire, but I’m a bit of a mixed bag, Welsh, English and Scottish from these isles and a chunk of me is from Southern France, the Massif region and a bit from the Eastern bit of Aquitaine. I also have Norwegian ancestry. So I’m a mut.
I feel I have hijacked @Catkysydney Discussion. Sorry Catkysydney.
I lived in London for 20 years, Uni then Civil Service then I flew away lol.
I hope you are having a great day Lamont D

 

[Lamont D]

My surname is a very popular one around N.Wales.
my ancestral heritage is the North West Wales including Anglesey.
but born in Merseyside.
Mother's side is East yorkshire, around Hull.
they met at the start of the war, a typical story of wartime circumstances.

Burma, My dad was a Chindit.
he took part in the second phase of Wingates foray behind Japanese lines.
double malaria, and lucky to come home, and he wouldn't talk about it at all.
he did however, bring home a couple of souvenirs, an officers sword, and a pistol.
Which he sold to my aunty, who had a stall on Portobello road market.
He finally arrived home in '47. Four years after saying to my mum, he will see her at the weekend.I
Apologies as well @Catkysydney for a derailment of huge magnitude.
It is a wonder the mods haven't been nosing!
Saved this bit of coincidence, my father was born in Shrewsbury, but moved as a baby to Merseyside.
So he is a salop lad. Like yourself.
And according to my DNA, I have Viking (Norse) in me. Not surprisingly from around here.
My team is a Viking name, only Viking name in English footie.
A huge battle, was fought only a few miles from where I live. Back in the tenth century, Brunanburr.

Best wishes mate.

 

[Melgar]

We sure have derailed this and as you aptly point out, of huge magnitude . And to derail a tad further I have a French last name. My dad was stationed out in Hong Kong and he was also sucked into the Suez crisis. He came back with Malaria too. He had bouts of it for years after. My grandfather was an RSM in the Indian cavalry. A formidable man. I think most people from the British Isles have Norse blood from the Viking era. Although mine is very recent But I’m sure Viking DNA is in there somewhere.
And best wishes to you too.

 

[Lamont D]

We sure have derailed this and as you aptly point out, of huge magnitude . And to derail a tad further I have a French last name. My dad was stationed out in Hong Kong and he was also sucked into the Suez crisis. He came back with Malaria too. He had bouts of it for years after. My grandfather was an RSM in the Indian cavalry. A formidable man. I think most people from the British Isles have Norse blood from the Viking era. Although mine is very recent But I’m sure Viking DNA is in there somewhere.
And best wishes to you too.

Once again another coincidence.
My dad was attached to the Indian army, (5th division I think)
I've several photos of my dad wearing a fluted Sikh turban(?)
Before volunteering for the Chindits, with his typical Gurkha hat. And the standard kukri.
Still derailing!
Have a lovely weekend @Melgar

 

[Melgar]

Once again another coincidence.
My dad was attached to the Indian army, (5th division I think)
I've several photos of my dad wearing a fluted Sikh turban(?)
Before volunteering for the Chindits, with his typical Gurkha hat. And the standard kukri.
Still derailing!
Have a lovely weekend @Melgar

Oh wow, that is a coincidence. Not sure what division my grandfather was in, I just know he was in the Indian army. I have a photo of him somewhere with his waxed handlebar moustache. My brother has all his medals. He ran his horse to death being chased by baboons. Have a lovely weekend yourself

 

[Lamont D]

Oh wow, that is a coincidence. Not sure what division my grandfather was in, I just know he was in the Indian army. I have a photo of him somewhere with his waxed handlebar moustache. My brother has all his medals. He ran his horse to death being chased by baboons. Have a lovely weekend yourself

Baboons????
There is some right little monkeys in my family, but no baboons.
I have my dad's medals, as well, quite a few!
Enjoy your weekend.
Derail.........
Derail..........
Derailed...!

 

[Pipp]

Moderators are always pleased to see members find mutual support from others with similar health concerns. Particularly with the more rare conditions. We are happy that is happening here.

BUT, it is important to remember that anyone else seeking info on the subject of the thread

Reactive Hypoglycaemia Help! Really Struggling​

Could find it offputting having to sift through the non specific chat to find info. So please can we take chat to a chatty thread and keep this one for the purpose intended.

​

 

[Melgar]

Apologies I think I lead @Lamont D astray.

 

[Lamont D]

I do believe, I got there on my own.
I have to keep up my reputation @Melgar @Pipp ,
I might start a chat.
Let me think about it.
Best wishes.

 

[Pipp]

Apologies I think I lead @Lamont D astray.

I would say that is impossible, but I don’t want to derail the thread, further.

 

[Catkysydney]

I am not going to tell the saga again!!!!!
Way back after diagnosis, I was like everyone else googling RH for info.
There wasn't much and most of it wasn't logical.
And being advised to look up a low carb diet which still included low GI carbs, I arrived here, with a million questio questions.
it was very supportive but only one poster had ever heard of it.
And that is because, like us, she scoured the internet looking for answers.
she had become diabetic because of the time spent looking for answers to her symptoms and by BG levels.
she became my friend and mentor.
And over time we noticed more questions from others wanting answers.
The website was expanding, and because she had influence and a bit of brashness, backed by myself and others, we asked admin to have our own forum.
which they did.
I'm very proud of the work we have done to promote the cause of finding the best way to help all the other hypoglycaemic types as well.
I have learned so much. An open curious mind, and an ability to help others through the minefield of starting with their own diagnosis. To encourage, to try and answer, to give them more than just eat low carb.
To help understand the science, the workings of our bodys, explain the reason behind symptoms if we can.
Explain intolerance, explain why spikes should be avoided, even why it is called 'reactive '?
Why we are different and totally weird!!!!!!

My mentor still lurks, don't you @Brunneria ?
She keeps an eye on me.
And a true friend that helped me so much, when I was floundering.

That is it.
It is funny that, being helpful can be so rewarding. And helping crosses borders and continents.

I do hope you enjoy your journey to Europe.
Let us know how these countries treat you.

My best wishes from Beatlesland.

Lamont , you are really really helpful !!
I sincerely appreciate your mentor @Brunneria !!
This forum is the only one in the world specialising Reactive Hypoglycemia!! Very supportive and knowledgeable!!
Congratulations to you and @Brunneria and thank you !!!

Without this forum, I would be still wondering why my hypo was ignored …and still suffering from hypo ..

I have been enjoying Keto diet .., but now I have another problem.., I am severely constipated ..
I tried Electrolytes, salt, potassium, magnesium, laxatives … you name it …

Lamont , how can I manage my constipation?? If you have experience.., it will be greatly appreciated, your knowledge..

Thank you very much gorgeous your knowledge and support !!!!

 

[Lamont D]

Lamont , you are really really helpful !!
I sincerely appreciate your mentor @Brunneria !!
This forum is the only one in the world specialising Reactive Hypoglycemia!! Very supportive and knowledgeable!!
Congratulations to you and @Brunneria and thank you !!!

Without this forum, I would be still wondering why my hypo was ignored …and still suffering from hypo ..

I have been enjoying Keto diet .., but now I have another problem.., I am severely constipated ..
I tried Electrolytes, salt, potassium, magnesium, laxatives … you name it …

Lamont , how can I manage my constipation?? If you have experience.., it will be greatly appreciated, your knowledge..

Thank you very much gorgeous your knowledge and support !!!!

You have got me @Catkysydney .
I have never suffered ever from constipation.

I'm aware that it can be a problem, so I will only advise you to go to the ask a question forum. And you will receive the forums more experienced advice.

Best wishes