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A low moment
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Marilyn Wattman-Feldman- Last Online: Jan 12 2012
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A low moment
I hate it when I don't immediately recognize that I am close (or actually at) a low point. I was at an event the other day when I began to sweat, felt a bit shaky, was not in total control of what was happening, felt sick to my stomach, and didn't realize that lunch had been about 5 1/2 to 6 hrs earlier and that I had not had anything in between. I was quickly crashing. (All I had in between was iced tea with Splenda.) Anyway, I sat down and asked the server to bring me out a salad with some crackers. Meanwhile, I grabbed my quick acting glucose tablets (remembering they were in my purse) and ate one. (Now I know I should have eaten a three.) Even after nibbling the salad, etc. I still felt sick. I had some protein, too. But, the rest of the night was a real downer. Any suggestions on how to avoid this mess in the future? I know what I did wrong. I just hate being caught off guard like this. I've only experienced this type of reaction a few times, so it is rare. I don't take any medication for my diabetes. I'm strictly on diet and exercise to control my numbers. I lost approximately 50 pounds over a one year period which I know helped. Does weight factor into this whole thing? In other words, if I am thinner, will I be more likely to feel a low quicker than someone else? Does that make sense?
Simply Deb- Last Online: Jan 25 2012
Simply Deb- Last Online: Jan 25 2012
Marilyn Wattman-Feldman- Last Online: Jan 12 2012
Marilyn Wattman-Feldman- Last Online: Jan 12 2012
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Hi Marilyn...
Your diabetes management team knows best, but here are just some of my personal suggestions:
We all agree it's important to pay special attention to your eating schedule when you're a diabetic. If you know your routine for any particular day will be different than normal, you should be prepared in advance with something to snack on within a reasonable time after your last meal. The fast-acting glucose tablets are a good idea, but you know you didn't take the required dosage. Even a couple of sugary hard candies would offer quick relief.
If I started to feel as you've explained in your message, I'd want to bring my glucose level up as fast as possible by drinking fruit juice or a small glass of non-diet soda pop or even a glass of milk. I don't think a salad helps to bring your sugar up to a more normal level unless it contains some type of carbohydrates. The dressing, cheese, or croutons might be of some help. Again, if I was facing the low you describe, I would have probably chosen a bunch of crackers and water over a salad.
Contrary to what some people believe, a chocolate bar isn't the best choice to quickly raise a low blood sugar level because of the fat content. The fat in the candy bar causes the food product to digest more slowly. However, if you're not especially sensitive to getting a high reading from eating a candy bar, you could carry one as a snack to munch on between your meals before your glucose level gets too low. My personal preference would be a Snickers bar. I'm not saying to use a candy bar every day, but on those days when your routine will be different than usual it could be an acceptable choice.
What I usually do when I'm having a busy hectic day is to throw several hard candies in my pocketbook as a safety precaution. Peppermint candy is good because it also soothes the stomach.
Your diabetes management team knows best, but here are just some of my personal suggestions:
We all agree it's important to pay special attention to your eating schedule when you're a diabetic. If you know your routine for any particular day will be different than normal, you should be prepared in advance with something to snack on within a reasonable time after your last meal. The fast-acting glucose tablets are a good idea, but you know you didn't take the required dosage. Even a couple of sugary hard candies would offer quick relief.
If I started to feel as you've explained in your message, I'd want to bring my glucose level up as fast as possible by drinking fruit juice or a small glass of non-diet soda pop or even a glass of milk. I don't think a salad helps to bring your sugar up to a more normal level unless it contains some type of carbohydrates. The dressing, cheese, or croutons might be of some help. Again, if I was facing the low you describe, I would have probably chosen a bunch of crackers and water over a salad.
Contrary to what some people believe, a chocolate bar isn't the best choice to quickly raise a low blood sugar level because of the fat content. The fat in the candy bar causes the food product to digest more slowly. However, if you're not especially sensitive to getting a high reading from eating a candy bar, you could carry one as a snack to munch on between your meals before your glucose level gets too low. My personal preference would be a Snickers bar. I'm not saying to use a candy bar every day, but on those days when your routine will be different than usual it could be an acceptable choice.
What I usually do when I'm having a busy hectic day is to throw several hard candies in my pocketbook as a safety precaution. Peppermint candy is good because it also soothes the stomach.
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I haven't researched it, but my guess is that because every case of diabetes is different with each patient, lower or higher weight probably does not factor into whether or not you could more easily predict when a low is coming on. From your personal experience since being diagnosed, you just have to be tuned into the signs your own body gives you--whatever your weight is at the time. Plus your body could react differently today than it does tomorrow even though your weight remained the same.
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Thanks. I recall someone else telling me the same thing. Fortunately, the good news is this... I just got the results of my most recent A1C ... drum roll please! My number is 5.5. My number, per my doctor, is considered non-diabetic. Of course, I still have diabetes; I have simply managed to keep my overall numbers in a good range. My 50 pound weight loss definitely helped a lot. Now, I just need to continue eating right, sticking to healthy portions, and exercising on a regular basis. Obviously, not so easy during the holiday season.
Take care. And may you enjoy a happy and healthy new year.
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Thanks. I really appreciate your insight. And, I agree. I reviewed my diabetes info manual afterwards, and I did not take the right amount of glucose tablets, I didn't reach for the right type of food (although I did eat some crackers with my salad) and I knew I wasn't going to be eating for quite a while. I needed to be better prepared. Again, thanks for caring and sharing.
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