Reactive Hypoglycemia

[Laura A Lambrecht]

I have recently been diagnosed with this even though I have thought I had it for several years now. I have seizures due to the low blood sugar, so incredibly scary! Anyone else been diagnosed? I have constant anxiety and fear of dying due to the Hypoglycemia. My Endocrinologist says I have every reason to be afraid. I would love to talk with others about how they deal with this physically and mentally.

 

[Amailyn]

Hi Laura,

I have had acute episodes of hypyglycemia previously, most recently this year prior to my gastric bypass, and not to the point of seizure. However I was hospitalized a couple of times when my blood sugar had reached the 30s; this was years ago. Hypoglycemia was one of my biggest concerns as it is a side effect after having bariatric surgery. From Aug to Oct of this year I had several occurrences per week of my blood sugar dropping to the 50s, and it was hard for me to keep my blood sugars higher than the 80s even after eating. So my doc put me on a continuous glucose monitor and I had to log all my food and eat at designated times and take all my diabetic meds all on a strict schedule. From Aug until the week right before my gastric bypass (done 12/16/2019) my diabetics meds were adjusted/reduced 6x. Finally, after my surgery, on 12/26, my diabetic meds were reduced for the 7th time since Aug, down to zero diabetic meds. Also, I am happy to report that I have had no acute hypoglycemic episodes since surgery. I no longer use the continuous glucose monitor either, but my doc assigned a diabetic nurse to contact me every 2 weeks to keep a close eye on my blood sugars.

So what I think this means is that you may be successful in managing your reactive hypoglycemia if you work very closely with your doctor. I'm sure the management and treatment is different for every individual. For me, I was either eating too little or too much and not eating at a consistent schedule. For me, I need to spread my carbs throughout the day. I actually have to take my glucose readings more often throughout the day then previously because my readings help me to determine what I should or shouldn't eat at my next meal, or if I need to have a snack before bedtime. Even though I went from 9 diabetic meds a day down to 0, I'm still considered to be a diabetic, and I'm still prone to hypoglycemic episodes. It sucks to have to alter one's lifestyle around having to monitor blood sugars all day long, but it's worth sustaining a good quality of life.

I hope you are able to manage your hypoglycemia soon and that you continue to be healthy.

 

[Brenda2010]

Hi Laura,

I have had acute episodes of hypyglycemia previously, most recently this year prior to my gastric bypass, and not to the point of seizure. However I was hospitalized a couple of times when my blood sugar had reached the 30s; this was years ago. Hypoglycemia was one of my biggest concerns as it is a side effect after having bariatric surgery. From Aug to Oct of this year I had several occurrences per week of my blood sugar dropping to the 50s, and it was hard for me to keep my blood sugars higher than the 80s even after eating. So my doc put me on a continuous glucose monitor and I had to log all my food and eat at designated times and take all my diabetic meds all on a strict schedule. From Aug until the week right before my gastric bypass (done 12/16/2019) my diabetics meds were adjusted/reduced 6x. Finally, after my surgery, on 12/26, my diabetic meds were reduced for the 7th time since Aug, down to zero diabetic meds. Also, I am happy to report that I have had no acute hypoglycemic episodes since surgery. I no longer use the continuous glucose monitor either, but my doc assigned a diabetic nurse to contact me every 2 weeks to keep a close eye on my blood sugars.

So what I think this means is that you may be successful in managing your reactive hypoglycemia if you work very closely with your doctor. I'm sure the management and treatment is different for every individual. For me, I was either eating too little or too much and not eating at a consistent schedule. For me, I need to spread my carbs throughout the day. I actually have to take my glucose readings more often throughout the day then previously because my readings help me to determine what I should or shouldn't eat at my next meal, or if I need to have a snack before bedtime. Even though I went from 9 diabetic meds a day down to 0, I'm still considered to be a diabetic, and I'm still prone to hypoglycemic episodes. It sucks to have to alter one's lifestyle around having to monitor blood sugars all day long, but it's worth sustaining a good quality of life.

I hope you are able to manage your hypoglycemia soon and that you continue to be healthy.

Wow, great information Amailyn! This is why I love this group, there's always someone who has had similar experiences.