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Re: low blood sugar during periods
From: SONNENSTUHL (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Mon, 08 Nov 1999 17:17:56 -0800
First of all, I would look seriously at your diet, and keep a very
careful food diary. Remember many complex carbs act like sugar, so
sometimes folks have a rebound hypoglycemia. I would try to eat protein
all through the day to help keep your blood sugar stable.
The hormones that affect menses, such as prostiglandins can have quite
an impact.
You don't mention your weight, but this might be significant.
I'm assuming you've had a FBS drawn after fasting. You might have a FBS
and 2 hour test done and see the results of that. With such a
significant family history, start researching this condition,
hypoglycemia and Insulin resistance. Learn about the Glycemic Index.
Pat Sonnenstuhl, ARNP, CNM
Amanda wrote:
>
> I have searched the archives & haven't recieved much info from them, so
> here I am!
> My father, brother, & paternal grandmother are all diabetic. I
> participated in a study for 6 years involving the drawing of my blood to
> be tested for the 'gene' that some researchers think plays a part in
> diabetes. I was told 2 years ago that I do not have the gene and that,
> therefore, I will not get diabetes.
> About 1 year ago, I began to have low blood sugar 'attacks' during my
> period each month. They don't happen every month, but almost. I
> experience a cold, clammy sweat, dizziness, and an undeniable craving
> for sugar. The attacks come on very quickly. The first time i had one,
> I felt fortunate that I knew what was happening, as my family have
> communicated to me what it feels like. The only thing that helps is to
> eat sugar or juice until the effects stop. I have spoken to my
> gynocologist (who says this is normal) and my brother's doctor, who is
> also a hypoglycemia specialist. He gave me a blood glucose meter to
> test my blood sugar level when I am having an attack, or when I feel
> weak or overly tired. He said that he is doubtful that I have diabetes,
> but that low blood sugar can be a precursor to diabetes. He also said
> he is doubtful that I am hypoglycemic,as the attacks only occur once a
> month. Last week, I had 3 days in a row where I had the attacks. For
> the rest of the day after, I feel extremely run down. Last week, during
> one attack, my blood sugar was the lowest that it has ever been: 52. I
> also had an attack on Tuesday of last week that really puzzled me, I ate
> a very big lunch at a restaurant at 2:30pm (including meat, and
> sweetened coffee) and at 4:30pm I had an attack, my blood sugar level
> was 61. I thought this was weird, since I had consumed such a large
> lunch.
> I am about 95% vegetarian. I do occasionally eat meat. I do eat
> cheese, yogurt, and drink whole milk. I eat plenty of beans, and I take
> an Iron supplement every day (as well as vitamin b, ginko biloba, and
> the prescription drugs for allergies & acne: ceftin, claritin, and
> spironolactone-this one only for 2 weeks so far)
> My question is: Can anyone give me any further information about
> this?????
> I am doubtful that this is 'normal' and I am scared that if an attack
> comes on when I am alone, and I don't have any access to sugar that I
> will become comatose. I have been making it a habit to carry candy, or
> a snack with me when I go out, but, as I am human, sometimes I forget!
> Any help will be much appreciated!!!
>
> --
> Thank you,
> Amanda
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