[Kerrie]

I had some bloodwork done recently for an insurance exam and my blood glucose level was 65 (normal range 70-140). I suddenly realized I might have an explanation for some episodes of lightheadedness I've been having. I brought it up at a dr. visit and all he said was "sounds like you might be hypoglycemic". No input beyond that, no offer to do a fasting blood test, etc. So two questions for anybody w/some experience: #1, are there any management tips besides eating every couple of hours and watching sugar intake? And #2, am I wrong to think that my dr. should somehow do more with this? (i.e. more testing, tell me what to expect, etc.) Oh, and one more question--does anyone know if hg can go away--I'm nursing a baby and wonder if it's related, even though I've never had problems w/my others? Thanks in advance . . .

[Kerrie]

Thanks, tootie! Actually I am quite overweight--I'd like to lose between 85 and 95 pounds. Need to lose 85, minimum. But the weight problem came before the symptoms of hypoglycemia. I'm just surprised the dr. didn't see a need to do the GTT. I've got to have some follow-up blood work done in another 6 weeks or so (I have a low hemoglobin count and an elevated sed. rate) and if he doesn't answer my questions to my satisfaction at that point I'll go to an endocrinologist for a second opinion.

Thanks for the food-related answers, as well. I actually do eat more whole grain foods than white. I'm trying to work on the pasta thing because my family really doesn't seem to care for the wheat stuff. And we eat a fair amount of pasta. I'm also working on the protein--I think I tend to eat less than I should.

If there are lots with this problem I don't think they hang around here much! Hopefully we'll hear from some others?

[TTTTrina]

I've been hypoglycemic since my early 20's...diagnosed several times over the years. And diabetes runs in my family (my mom died of it, two years ago, after 20 years of shooting insulin and up-down diets and weight problems forever).

I'd recommend you go to the American Diabetes Associations website (www.diabetes.org) where you can get lots of health information on the subject (diabetes and hypoglycemia are similiarly treated).

I do Weight Watchers, and with modifications, my doctor - a diabetic specialist - says it's the best way to deal with it.

3 meals a day, and an evening snack, always with either a protein or dairy...which digests slowly. Low fat is better for me - fish, chicken, light cheeses, diet puddings, 100% fat free lactaid (instead of skim milk), diet yogurts, that sort of thing.

Limited fruit no more than 2-3 servings a day (which is a carb and sugar food), and very limited processed carbs (pasta, cereals, breads).

A multi-vitamin and 500 mg Vit C daily.

And lots of water, limited caffeine, almost no alcohol.

And definitely watch the sugar intake.

I basically eat every 3 hours something ... and it works for me. If I go too long without eating, I feel light-headed and nauseas, and even can get slurred speech and blurred vision. So it's very important to keep on top of this. I carry little boxes of raisins, and in a pinch, will get a glass of skim milk...that helps.

Good luck!