Low Blood Sugar "attacks" but no CFRD dx

M

MCGrad2006

Guest
<i>UPDATE: I spoke with the nurse at clinic and my doctor. The nurse was a bit more sensitive about my issues. She seemed to think that maybe I am getting highs, not lows...and in turn, giving myself sugar when I am already having a high would make me even worse. She said we can get a glucometer and see what if anything is going on and she was more than willing to help me. I will be getting a meter in the next few days so that I can check when and if I am feeling sick.</i>

So, I wanted to get your opinions because I know they are out there and yes I have brought up this question before (at least I think).

So the other day I went to the gym after school, but I forgot to have my snack (a protein bar) before I got there. I realized as I got on the ellyptical machine that I had not eaten. I continued with my workout because I felt ok but very quickly I started to feel worse. I cut my workout short and started walking on the treadmill so as not to simply stop working out i.e. to let my body 'cool down'. I ended up getting a very bad low blood sugar attack. I got the shakes, cold sweat...you know the usual. I ate and felt better.

But the next day it continued to happen. I feel like I was eating all day long, just so that my blood sugar would not drop so drastically again...because I felt small signs of it going down (slightly shaky and whatnot).

My question is...I get these atacks a few times a week (maybe 3-4) and I eat pretty good I think. I mean the day after this workout attack...I had a cheese stick and almonds (thats a good protein, right??). My mom thinks I am crazy and that this is 'normal'. Yet, she never complains about this happening a few days a week. I am going in for a clinic visit in a few weeks and would like to talk to my doctor, but he usually just brushes this stuff off if everything else is good. I can talk to the nurse and I am sure she would give an unbiased opinion.

I know that we have had discussions about how much we snack and eat all day long, but this doesn't seem like 'normal' CF stuff to me. BTW...my last A1C was in Feb and was 6.0. What do you all think? What is the normal range of A1C? Please give me your experiences/opinions so I don't feel so crazy.
 
M

MCGrad2006

Guest
<i>UPDATE: I spoke with the nurse at clinic and my doctor. The nurse was a bit more sensitive about my issues. She seemed to think that maybe I am getting highs, not lows...and in turn, giving myself sugar when I am already having a high would make me even worse. She said we can get a glucometer and see what if anything is going on and she was more than willing to help me. I will be getting a meter in the next few days so that I can check when and if I am feeling sick.</i>

So, I wanted to get your opinions because I know they are out there and yes I have brought up this question before (at least I think).

So the other day I went to the gym after school, but I forgot to have my snack (a protein bar) before I got there. I realized as I got on the ellyptical machine that I had not eaten. I continued with my workout because I felt ok but very quickly I started to feel worse. I cut my workout short and started walking on the treadmill so as not to simply stop working out i.e. to let my body 'cool down'. I ended up getting a very bad low blood sugar attack. I got the shakes, cold sweat...you know the usual. I ate and felt better.

But the next day it continued to happen. I feel like I was eating all day long, just so that my blood sugar would not drop so drastically again...because I felt small signs of it going down (slightly shaky and whatnot).

My question is...I get these atacks a few times a week (maybe 3-4) and I eat pretty good I think. I mean the day after this workout attack...I had a cheese stick and almonds (thats a good protein, right??). My mom thinks I am crazy and that this is 'normal'. Yet, she never complains about this happening a few days a week. I am going in for a clinic visit in a few weeks and would like to talk to my doctor, but he usually just brushes this stuff off if everything else is good. I can talk to the nurse and I am sure she would give an unbiased opinion.

I know that we have had discussions about how much we snack and eat all day long, but this doesn't seem like 'normal' CF stuff to me. BTW...my last A1C was in Feb and was 6.0. What do you all think? What is the normal range of A1C? Please give me your experiences/opinions so I don't feel so crazy.
 
M

MCGrad2006

Guest
<i>UPDATE: I spoke with the nurse at clinic and my doctor. The nurse was a bit more sensitive about my issues. She seemed to think that maybe I am getting highs, not lows...and in turn, giving myself sugar when I am already having a high would make me even worse. She said we can get a glucometer and see what if anything is going on and she was more than willing to help me. I will be getting a meter in the next few days so that I can check when and if I am feeling sick.</i>
<br />
<br />So, I wanted to get your opinions because I know they are out there and yes I have brought up this question before (at least I think).
<br />
<br />So the other day I went to the gym after school, but I forgot to have my snack (a protein bar) before I got there. I realized as I got on the ellyptical machine that I had not eaten. I continued with my workout because I felt ok but very quickly I started to feel worse. I cut my workout short and started walking on the treadmill so as not to simply stop working out i.e. to let my body 'cool down'. I ended up getting a very bad low blood sugar attack. I got the shakes, cold sweat...you know the usual. I ate and felt better.
<br />
<br />But the next day it continued to happen. I feel like I was eating all day long, just so that my blood sugar would not drop so drastically again...because I felt small signs of it going down (slightly shaky and whatnot).
<br />
<br />My question is...I get these atacks a few times a week (maybe 3-4) and I eat pretty good I think. I mean the day after this workout attack...I had a cheese stick and almonds (thats a good protein, right??). My mom thinks I am crazy and that this is 'normal'. Yet, she never complains about this happening a few days a week. I am going in for a clinic visit in a few weeks and would like to talk to my doctor, but he usually just brushes this stuff off if everything else is good. I can talk to the nurse and I am sure she would give an unbiased opinion.
<br />
<br />I know that we have had discussions about how much we snack and eat all day long, but this doesn't seem like 'normal' CF stuff to me. BTW...my last A1C was in Feb and was 6.0. What do you all think? What is the normal range of A1C? Please give me your experiences/opinions so I don't feel so crazy.
 
L

liz26ny

New member
Low Blood Sugar

Caitlin, the same EXACT thing happens to me. Partially through my workout I get all the same symptoms...cold sweat, shakes, no energy. If I am close to finish with my workout I sometimes slow it down and try to finish, but other times I have to leave the gym completely. I hate driving home feeling like that too.

For me it seems to happen in spurts. It will happen a few times one week and then maybe not at all the next week. I try to eat something high in protein like a peanut butter sandwich and that sometimes helps.

I mentioned it to my doctor several times. At first he brushed it off, but when I really pushed the issue he decided I should go for a glucose tolerance test (I am over-due on having one anyway.) I haven't scheduled it yet because I just got off of IVs...but I plan on going soon.

The thing that confuses me is that I always thought CFRD was more an issue with elevated blood sugar levels as opposed to low blood sugar levels? Or are both an issue?
 
L

liz26ny

New member
Low Blood Sugar

Caitlin, the same EXACT thing happens to me. Partially through my workout I get all the same symptoms...cold sweat, shakes, no energy. If I am close to finish with my workout I sometimes slow it down and try to finish, but other times I have to leave the gym completely. I hate driving home feeling like that too.

For me it seems to happen in spurts. It will happen a few times one week and then maybe not at all the next week. I try to eat something high in protein like a peanut butter sandwich and that sometimes helps.

I mentioned it to my doctor several times. At first he brushed it off, but when I really pushed the issue he decided I should go for a glucose tolerance test (I am over-due on having one anyway.) I haven't scheduled it yet because I just got off of IVs...but I plan on going soon.

The thing that confuses me is that I always thought CFRD was more an issue with elevated blood sugar levels as opposed to low blood sugar levels? Or are both an issue?
 
L

liz26ny

New member
Low Blood Sugar

Caitlin, the same EXACT thing happens to me. Partially through my workout I get all the same symptoms...cold sweat, shakes, no energy. If I am close to finish with my workout I sometimes slow it down and try to finish, but other times I have to leave the gym completely. I hate driving home feeling like that too.
<br />
<br />For me it seems to happen in spurts. It will happen a few times one week and then maybe not at all the next week. I try to eat something high in protein like a peanut butter sandwich and that sometimes helps.
<br />
<br />I mentioned it to my doctor several times. At first he brushed it off, but when I really pushed the issue he decided I should go for a glucose tolerance test (I am over-due on having one anyway.) I haven't scheduled it yet because I just got off of IVs...but I plan on going soon.
<br />
<br />The thing that confuses me is that I always thought CFRD was more an issue with elevated blood sugar levels as opposed to low blood sugar levels? Or are both an issue?
 
B

bethylove

Guest
Low Blood Sugar

When my A1C was tested it was 6.5 or 7 I can't remember. Anything above five is considered 'abnormal' but diabetics sometimes have an A1C of up to 13! so Mine was still closer to 5 than 13, but I was put on insulin and things started to even out.

Low blood sugar is a problem for me because (this a theory here, from my endocrinologist) when I eat something with a lot of carbs, my pancreas knows its supposed to produce insulin (and can somewhat) but it 'freaks out' if you will, and 'stutters' meaning it doesn't give me my insulin when I need it, instead since I have a nervous pancreas by the time it gets the insulin out, it gives me WAY too much because it's missed the timing, so it over compensates by giving me some more. Then I crash.

When I take insulin, even though my body is still producing insulin itself, it helps even out the period of 'nervousness' for my pancreas and takes some of the pressure of to produce insulin immediately. I'm on a pretty low carb ratio, so that I give my body just a little bit of short acting insulin, so that when I do get the insulin from my pancreas I don't crash because it delivers the remainder of what I need by the time I need it.

When I first started insulin, taking it with every meal went well. But then as my lungs got healthier, taking insulin at breakfast would make me crash, and then I'd be pretty low so I'd skip it at lunch. After talking with my endo. he seems to think that it [pancreas] works better in the morning and can carry me through lunch, but by dinner its worked hard all day it would start its freak out thing. So now I only take insulin at dinner time, and it has been working really well.

It sounds like you need to be AT LEAST checking your sugars, if not on insulin. You could only need a small amount of insulin, like I did, to help even out your insulin production. And that may be enough to remind your pancreas of it's job. lol Seemed to be the case for me. But really push talking to an endocrinologist. *Note* My last glucose tolerance test was normal - and it was less than a year old when my A1C came back a little high and was put on insulin.

Hopes this helps! Good luck.
 
B

bethylove

Guest
Low Blood Sugar

When my A1C was tested it was 6.5 or 7 I can't remember. Anything above five is considered 'abnormal' but diabetics sometimes have an A1C of up to 13! so Mine was still closer to 5 than 13, but I was put on insulin and things started to even out.

Low blood sugar is a problem for me because (this a theory here, from my endocrinologist) when I eat something with a lot of carbs, my pancreas knows its supposed to produce insulin (and can somewhat) but it 'freaks out' if you will, and 'stutters' meaning it doesn't give me my insulin when I need it, instead since I have a nervous pancreas by the time it gets the insulin out, it gives me WAY too much because it's missed the timing, so it over compensates by giving me some more. Then I crash.

When I take insulin, even though my body is still producing insulin itself, it helps even out the period of 'nervousness' for my pancreas and takes some of the pressure of to produce insulin immediately. I'm on a pretty low carb ratio, so that I give my body just a little bit of short acting insulin, so that when I do get the insulin from my pancreas I don't crash because it delivers the remainder of what I need by the time I need it.

When I first started insulin, taking it with every meal went well. But then as my lungs got healthier, taking insulin at breakfast would make me crash, and then I'd be pretty low so I'd skip it at lunch. After talking with my endo. he seems to think that it [pancreas] works better in the morning and can carry me through lunch, but by dinner its worked hard all day it would start its freak out thing. So now I only take insulin at dinner time, and it has been working really well.

It sounds like you need to be AT LEAST checking your sugars, if not on insulin. You could only need a small amount of insulin, like I did, to help even out your insulin production. And that may be enough to remind your pancreas of it's job. lol Seemed to be the case for me. But really push talking to an endocrinologist. *Note* My last glucose tolerance test was normal - and it was less than a year old when my A1C came back a little high and was put on insulin.

Hopes this helps! Good luck.
 
B

bethylove

Guest
Low Blood Sugar

When my A1C was tested it was 6.5 or 7 I can't remember. Anything above five is considered 'abnormal' but diabetics sometimes have an A1C of up to 13! so Mine was still closer to 5 than 13, but I was put on insulin and things started to even out.
<br />
<br />Low blood sugar is a problem for me because (this a theory here, from my endocrinologist) when I eat something with a lot of carbs, my pancreas knows its supposed to produce insulin (and can somewhat) but it 'freaks out' if you will, and 'stutters' meaning it doesn't give me my insulin when I need it, instead since I have a nervous pancreas by the time it gets the insulin out, it gives me WAY too much because it's missed the timing, so it over compensates by giving me some more. Then I crash.
<br />
<br />When I take insulin, even though my body is still producing insulin itself, it helps even out the period of 'nervousness' for my pancreas and takes some of the pressure of to produce insulin immediately. I'm on a pretty low carb ratio, so that I give my body just a little bit of short acting insulin, so that when I do get the insulin from my pancreas I don't crash because it delivers the remainder of what I need by the time I need it.
<br />
<br />When I first started insulin, taking it with every meal went well. But then as my lungs got healthier, taking insulin at breakfast would make me crash, and then I'd be pretty low so I'd skip it at lunch. After talking with my endo. he seems to think that it [pancreas] works better in the morning and can carry me through lunch, but by dinner its worked hard all day it would start its freak out thing. So now I only take insulin at dinner time, and it has been working really well.
<br />
<br />It sounds like you need to be AT LEAST checking your sugars, if not on insulin. You could only need a small amount of insulin, like I did, to help even out your insulin production. And that may be enough to remind your pancreas of it's job. lol Seemed to be the case for me. But really push talking to an endocrinologist. *Note* My last glucose tolerance test was normal - and it was less than a year old when my A1C came back a little high and was put on insulin.
<br />
<br />Hopes this helps! Good luck.
 
J

JENNYLEE202020

New member
Low Blood Sugar

you need to get checked for hypoglycemia. i do not have cf but i do have hypoglycemia. thats sounds like what is going on. google it and see what you think! good luck to you! =)
 
J

JENNYLEE202020

New member
Low Blood Sugar

you need to get checked for hypoglycemia. i do not have cf but i do have hypoglycemia. thats sounds like what is going on. google it and see what you think! good luck to you! =)
 
J

JENNYLEE202020

New member
Low Blood Sugar

you need to get checked for hypoglycemia. i do not have cf but i do have hypoglycemia. thats sounds like what is going on. google it and see what you think! good luck to you! =)
 
M

MCGrad2006

Guest
Low Blood Sugar

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>For me it seems to happen in spurts. It will happen a few times one week and then maybe not at all the next week.</end quote></div>

That is EXACTLY what happens. I have had a TOn of trouble the last few days, but then last week, it hardly happened at all. I am glad that I am not alone and that your doctor was reluctant at first. I feel like I am going crazy when he just brushes it off, but I know what I am going through, I just wish he would understand.

THANK YOU ALL for your responses! I know that this has happened to me in the past, but it seems to come and go, so I guess I just needed reassurance from others who have been there. I will DEF try talking to the doctor next week.

Please keep the responses coming, if you are in the same boat!
 
M

MCGrad2006

Guest
Low Blood Sugar

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>For me it seems to happen in spurts. It will happen a few times one week and then maybe not at all the next week.</end quote>

That is EXACTLY what happens. I have had a TOn of trouble the last few days, but then last week, it hardly happened at all. I am glad that I am not alone and that your doctor was reluctant at first. I feel like I am going crazy when he just brushes it off, but I know what I am going through, I just wish he would understand.

THANK YOU ALL for your responses! I know that this has happened to me in the past, but it seems to come and go, so I guess I just needed reassurance from others who have been there. I will DEF try talking to the doctor next week.

Please keep the responses coming, if you are in the same boat!
 
M

MCGrad2006

Guest
Low Blood Sugar

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>For me it seems to happen in spurts. It will happen a few times one week and then maybe not at all the next week.</end quote>
<br />
<br />That is EXACTLY what happens. I have had a TOn of trouble the last few days, but then last week, it hardly happened at all. I am glad that I am not alone and that your doctor was reluctant at first. I feel like I am going crazy when he just brushes it off, but I know what I am going through, I just wish he would understand.
<br />
<br />THANK YOU ALL for your responses! I know that this has happened to me in the past, but it seems to come and go, so I guess I just needed reassurance from others who have been there. I will DEF try talking to the doctor next week.
<br />
<br />Please keep the responses coming, if you are in the same boat!
 
G

Giggles

New member
Low Blood Sugar

If you are getting low blood sugars while working out try drinking some gaterade while working out it will give you the carbs and the salt. Also, protein is good but it is the carbs that gets you through physical activity and not getting low. Eating a carb choice with protein is even better cause it allows the carb to move slowly through the blood stream. I would use a meter and check your sugars and also get a CFRD screening. I manage a ton of lows and even more lows than highs and I have CFRD. But the carbs before or during working out will help make you NOT drop when doing physical activity! Good Luck! Sorry to hear you have to deal with this!

Jennifer 38 with CF and CFRD
 
G

Giggles

New member
Low Blood Sugar

If you are getting low blood sugars while working out try drinking some gaterade while working out it will give you the carbs and the salt. Also, protein is good but it is the carbs that gets you through physical activity and not getting low. Eating a carb choice with protein is even better cause it allows the carb to move slowly through the blood stream. I would use a meter and check your sugars and also get a CFRD screening. I manage a ton of lows and even more lows than highs and I have CFRD. But the carbs before or during working out will help make you NOT drop when doing physical activity! Good Luck! Sorry to hear you have to deal with this!

Jennifer 38 with CF and CFRD
 
G

Giggles

New member
Low Blood Sugar

If you are getting low blood sugars while working out try drinking some gaterade while working out it will give you the carbs and the salt. Also, protein is good but it is the carbs that gets you through physical activity and not getting low. Eating a carb choice with protein is even better cause it allows the carb to move slowly through the blood stream. I would use a meter and check your sugars and also get a CFRD screening. I manage a ton of lows and even more lows than highs and I have CFRD. But the carbs before or during working out will help make you NOT drop when doing physical activity! Good Luck! Sorry to hear you have to deal with this!
<br />
<br />Jennifer 38 with CF and CFRD
 
R

rubyroselee

New member
Low Blood Sugar

Hey Caitlin,

It happens to me all the time. It is common in people with CF. This is due to the fact that the pancreas does not work properly. It most frequently happens between breakfast and lunch for most people. This is because when you first wake up in the morning, your blood sugar is on the low side since you haven't eaten all night. Then you eat something for breakfast, which triggers your pancreas to secrete insulin. But because our pancreas doesn't work so well, it decides to secrete the insulin waaaay after the fact and ends up secreting too much insulin. So that's why we end up getting hypoglycemic. And of course, it can happen throughout the day as well, from the same effect. My A1C runs a bit high too. So, I do wonder if it's like a pre-CFRD thing. Who knows.

I got a free glucose monitor and I test my sugars when I start to feel shaky. There have been times when I've tested it and it's been in the 40's - yikes! I'm going to start carrying glucose tabs around from now on. I have also taken it after eating and it seems to be within normal range for post-prandial. So I'm hoping the CFRD stays away!

But I just keep food/candy on me at all times because of this. I would suggest doing that just in case you're ever in a bind and it happens to you when you don't expect it. Better safe than sorry.
 
R

rubyroselee

New member
Low Blood Sugar

Hey Caitlin,

It happens to me all the time. It is common in people with CF. This is due to the fact that the pancreas does not work properly. It most frequently happens between breakfast and lunch for most people. This is because when you first wake up in the morning, your blood sugar is on the low side since you haven't eaten all night. Then you eat something for breakfast, which triggers your pancreas to secrete insulin. But because our pancreas doesn't work so well, it decides to secrete the insulin waaaay after the fact and ends up secreting too much insulin. So that's why we end up getting hypoglycemic. And of course, it can happen throughout the day as well, from the same effect. My A1C runs a bit high too. So, I do wonder if it's like a pre-CFRD thing. Who knows.

I got a free glucose monitor and I test my sugars when I start to feel shaky. There have been times when I've tested it and it's been in the 40's - yikes! I'm going to start carrying glucose tabs around from now on. I have also taken it after eating and it seems to be within normal range for post-prandial. So I'm hoping the CFRD stays away!

But I just keep food/candy on me at all times because of this. I would suggest doing that just in case you're ever in a bind and it happens to you when you don't expect it. Better safe than sorry.
 
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