Let's talk blood sugar

[TLO]

I'm a non diabetic, but I have noticed over the past few months or so that my blood sugar seems drop quite a bit in the afternoons. A family member suggested that I pick up one of those self testing meters and keep a track on my blood sugar when I feel like it's dropping low.

For example I was feeling a bit shaky and anxious earlier and it had dropped to 70. (That's the lowest number I've ever had it read). I drank some 100% fruit juice I keep in the fridge at work, tested it again 15 minutes later, and it was up over 100.

Is this a normal thing that I'm putting too much thought into, or should I speak to my doctor about it? I tend to be on the more anxious side, and I notice even very subtle changes in my body.

For the record I had labs done about a month ago and everything was normal.

Thanks for any and all input.

[Hog's Gone Fishin]

Originally Posted by SAUTO

Needles?

You'll have to get those from rabblerouser

[otherstar]

Originally Posted by Hog's Gone Fishin

Stupid question, cannot all diabetes be controlled by diet alone ?

It can, IF a person looses a lot of weight, keeps it off, eats right, exercises, etc. I'd have to get my a1c below 6 and keep it there for awhile before my doc would consider that. An example of a diabetic that has gotten himself off of meds is Drew Carey, who did, and does the things I mentioned.

['Hamas' Jenkins]

Originally Posted by Hog's Gone Fishin

Stupid question, cannot all diabetes be controlled by diet alone ?

There are two types of diabetes: Type 1 and Type 2.

Type 1 is an autoimmune disorder where your body destroys the beta cells of the pancreas, the cells that produce insulin. As a result, you end up with extremely high blood sugars but will often be quite skinny (because insulin leads to you storing sugar in your cells, which is then converted, but that's another discussion).

Type 2 is a disorder caused by the body becoming fatigued from persistently high blood sugars. Type 2 diabetics are typically overweight and have other metabolic illnesses (high blood pressure, high cholesterol/triglycerides).

Treatment for Type 1 diabetes requires insulin for your entire life. There are a variety of treatments for Type 2 diabetes, and numerous classes of medications meant to increase your insulin secretion, stimulate or restriction numerous body processes, or even pee out the excess sugar. As Type 2 diabetes progresses, patients generally need to go on insulin because their beta cells fail.

You can control Type 2 with diet and exercise, but the truth is that most people eventually need more and more meds, ultimately leading to insulin replacement.

[otherstar]

Originally Posted by 'Hamas' Jenkins

Type 1 is an autoimmune disorder where your body destroys the beta cells of the pancreas, the cells that produce insulin. As a result, you end up with extremely high blood sugars but will often be quite skinny (because insulin leads to you storing sugar in your cells, which is then converted, but that's another discussion).

To add: with Type 1 diabetes, your body is not making insulin at all, or makes very little. A great number of Type 1 diabetics use an insulin pump to help regulate their blood sugar.

[RippedmyFlesh]

Originally Posted by Hog's Gone Fishin

Stupid question, cannot all diabetes be controlled by diet alone ?

I went from 290 to 220 lifted weights every other day and walked 3-4 miles at least a day . I went to baseball practice and played in games couple times a week. Not you Hog because you are good people but people who think that can go ****ing die in an aids fire.

PS
You can get better if you are type II. Not healed but improve. I take less than half the amount of insulin I used to take. I ****ing hate the stigma of diabetes I am stronger and in better shape than most people my age.

[RippedmyFlesh]

They also show these fat soft cucks in diabetes commercials on tv and it drives me ****ing crazy. ****ing show someone is isn't fat slow and soft. All diabetics aren't like that.

[Fire Me Boy!]

6.1 A1C this week. Feelin' good.

[Mosbonian]

I got diagnosed 18 months ago....no sodas... no sugar since.

My A1C measured last month was 5.2.....my Blood Sugar averages 95 to 100 with some days slightly higher and some lower.

My lowest was 62....and I could tell it right away. I keep Glucose tablets at home and in my work satchel.

As for the testing....I get my meter, strips, lancets and my needles for my insulin shot free of charge. I only pay for my insulin...the company health insurance is great.

[Fire Me Boy!]

Am I the only one that uses low blood sugar as a way to get something I don't normally get, like a little bit of ice cream or something?

[Mosbonian]

And for those who skip meals....that puzzles me because it seems all the things I read on the Mayo Clinic website say that is not healthy for diabetics.

I actually eat less at each meal but eat healthy more times during the day.

[lewdog]

OP is overweight.

[TLO]

Originally Posted by lewdog

OP is overweight.

Slightly, yes.

['Hamas' Jenkins]

Originally Posted by Mosbonian

And for those who skip meals....that puzzles me because it seems all the things I read on the Mayo Clinic website say that is not healthy for diabetics.

I actually eat less at each meal but eat healthy more times during the day.

In an acute care setting, clinicians worry more about lows than highs, unless you are in DKA. You're right.

[Pasta Little Brioni]

Too much Dr Pepper

[RippedmyFlesh]

Originally Posted by 'Hamas' Jenkins

In an acute care setting, clinicians worry more about highs than lows, unless you are in DKA. You're right.

And that is the biggest mistake I have made in my life. When I was diagnosed
I drove alot for work and my biggest fear was bottoming out while on the thruway during a blizzard. Very irrational thinking but I ran high because of my illogical paranoia and payed for it.