So this is progress? Need advice

Type 2
1

Well, it has been one year since I was diagnosed as Type 2, and a lot has changed during that time. Between last March and October, I lost about 25lbs. I then started lifting weights on a regular basis, and have continued it to this day. The results aren't amazing, but they are encouraging. One year ago, I weighed 250lbs. Last October, I weighed 225. I still weigh 225, but I have gone down a shirt size and a pant size or two since then. I look in the mirror, and am discouraged, but when I pull on a shirt that I hasn't fit in 4 years, it feels great. My A1c's have been great. All of them have been in the low 5.0 area. I have achieved tight control through simple diet and exercise. But, now, I am facing a new problem - hypos.

I have been told that Type 2s don't go hypo unless they are on medication, but I simply don't believe it. I nearly passed out in the gym a few months ago, and since I have been terrified of having that experience again. I start feeling symptoms in the high 70s to low 80s. If I get down into the low 70s, I feel like I have no energy, and kind of nauseated. It becomes hard to concentrate. This annoys me when I'm at work, out with friends, or playing sports (disc golf is a favorite) and downright scares me when I'm in the gym lifting iron over my head. I'm trying to eat less calories because I'm trying to lose weight, but I feel like I have to eat just to keep my blood sugars up. I've even been able to add back in a lot of carbs. I literally had a bowl of pasta one night after working out, and never went above the mid 90s. A year ago, that would have sent me into the 200s. I guess that is progress, but it feels counter-intuitive to be eating excess and potentially bad foods just to keep my sugars up.

What gives? This has been bugging me for a couple of weeks now. I am on a very low dose of Levothyroxine, and I started taking Nasonex earlier this week for allergies, but other than that I am not on any medications. Nothing else has changed. I go to see my doctor at the end of the month, and I think I'm going to beg for a referral to a Dietitian if I can afford to see one. In the mean time, does anyone have any advice for me? Has anyone been in a similar situation? Any suggestions on what I should ask my doctor?

I tested an hour ago, came in at 78, drank a can of pineapple juice (24g carbs), and just tested 114. I feel like I could probably go work out now, but it's getting to be too late. This is the first time I've felt limited by my bgs in months and I hate it. Sorry for the rant, but had to get it off my chest. Thanks for listening.

2

The symptoms of hypoglycemia are the bodies reaction to blood sugar going low… Having said that, if you body has become accustomed to sugars in the 200 or 300 or even just higher than normal depending on how sensitive you are, then you may experience symptoms of hypoglycemia at 70 or 80 unit your body become accustomed to its new normal blood glucose. The shakiness and feeling your goings to pass out is adrenaline, your heart might race you could become confused or diaphoretic. It’s possible to even pass out even though it’s not actually considered to be hypoglycemic. Hang In there you are doing great. Make sure to eat small snacks throughout the day and test often especially since you are having synths of hypoglycemia.

3

Incredible job! I agree, getting into the 70s feels bad when you aren't used to it but it is a false hypo. As your body adjusts it will stop doing that. I feel low in the 80s because I rarely make it under 100.

4

Yes, I too agree that this is a false hypo. Most normal people have blood sugar levels that drop down into the 60s-80s if they are fasting or have been really physically active. But if you've been running high for a period of time, once you're back in normal range, you will feel that normal blood sugar as a hypo even when it's not. I'm a T1, but have had this experience when I've intentionally run high for a period of time and then brought myself back into normal range. I find that if I can just muddle through it, I start feeling better at more normal BGs within a week or so.

5

From what I'm reading, your bg's have come down over a year, so I would think your body would have adjusted by now. Unless you still get spikes occasionally? But with an A1c in the low 5's, I'm not sure how that would be possible.
If you've been eating healthy, you may have increased your insulin sensitivity on your own. You should definitely keep some kind of glucose on you at all times--I read a post yesterday that Jelly Belly's have only 4 calories per bean. Those would be fairly easy to keep with you and easy to count/keep track of.
Don't be discouraged! You're losing fat and gaining muscle! That's phenomenal! BUT I would definitely encourage you to talk to your doctor and a dietician if possible. If they brush you off, or you still feel like something is wrong, get a second opinion. Is your doctor an endo? End result--listen to what your body is telling you!

6

Just an update: I went to the Doctor, and got somewhat of an answer. I love my Doc, but he doesn't really talk much or go into detail. He said it was basically a false Hypo, my levels were good (A1c = 5.2), and that I should just eat something if I feel bad. He kind of came off like it's not medically significant, so it's not really a problem. He wasn't too concerned about it at all. I guess I should just try to work through it, but it really sucks to feel bad like that when you're trying to work out or play a sport.

7

Add protein to prolong the glucose rise that results from protein. It may help to raise your BG over a couple hours, rather than the rapid exchange that occurs with carbs.

8

Have to agree with other posters, and Leo brings up a good point regarding protein intake to extend the curve. Good idea -- it's one I use all the time for long bike rides in the mountains and hills (common for me).

As to the 'feel bad' portion of your note above, you are just going to have to adjust and feel your way through it to some degree. Get used to it. I'm so used to going low while on rides that they don't surprise or scare me, though I can get quite confused (I'm a T1). This isn't really an issue for me though -- I am often out there by myself and tend to feel the lows coming on before they are of concern. And to mitigate this issue even more precisely, I recently added a CGM into the mix, so I can really step it up to treat before going way low. You might consider one if you can arrange to get one -- very handy device, but I am not so sure how apropos for T2s (shrug).

Good luck -- it ain't any fun, that's for sure.

/\/\

9

I agree with the other posts. You should add protein rather than a heavy carb so your rise will be gradual and you can control it better.

A normal blood sugar is any place between 70-100 and for each person its different as to how they feel. Even if you get used to this range there is always a little tinkering to do especially before you exercise.

Your doing a great job and should be proud of what you have accomplished.

Pauly