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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 23 of 23. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by fires on March 15, 2006, at 18:22:58
Just had a glucose tolerance test -- 4 hour. Felt bad at 1 hr., including fantasizing throwing chairs through windows (new to me).
At 2 hrs+: shaky, walking "wobbly", and very tired (including brain "tired") and depressed (not too bad).
Before I complained of symptoms, and after my 2 hour draw, a lab tech came out to check on me. She said that my glucose dropped, but couldn't say much more.
Shortly thereafter, I experienced the symptoms above. I had to lie down. After the last draw I was escorted to the cafeteria, where I had an apple and 2 servings of french fires in the presence of my escort. (I didn't want orange and cranberry juice). Felt better relatively soon and was allowed to drive home.
Before I left: told that my glucose drop was quite dramatic and fast.
Now that I've given you TMI: I googled up "Bipolar +hypoglycemia". The sites I clicked on seemed kinda quacky.
Is there a real connection between BP -hypomania and hypoglycemia? (don't tell me what you heard at a health food store. :)
Posted by Sobriquet Style on March 15, 2006, at 18:28:27
In reply to BP and hypoglycemia?, posted by fires on March 15, 2006, at 18:22:58
>Is there a real connection between BP -hypomania and hypoglycemia?
I think the link is, some bipolar's may indeed have hypoglycemia, and if you treat the hypoglycemia in turn it should help the mood swings, especially anxiety symptoms..
~
Posted by Racer on March 15, 2006, at 19:46:51
In reply to Re: BP and hypoglycemia?, posted by Sobriquet Style on March 15, 2006, at 18:28:27
Pretty much anything that affects your endocrine system will affect your mood. When your blood sugar drops, first your body produces some adrenaline, to keep you on your feet while you try to hunt for something to bring it back up, and then your liver starts releasing stored glucose, which also affects your blood chemistry. That whole process will affect your mood.
So, while I don't know anything specific about bipolar and hypoglycemia, I do know that insulin is a very powerful hormone, and fluctuations in blood glucose levels will cause all sorts of weird symptoms. The sort of aggression you describe is very much like my reaction when I am about to faint, or just did faint: "Leave me alone, get away from me, I'm FINE" -- that last usually said as I'm on my way back to the floor... That's the adrenaline. Scary, but normal-reaction-in-abnormal-state.
Hope that helps a bit, and you could try the diabetic association site for links that might help you find out more. I'd bet SS is right, that controlling your blood sugar will help a lot with controlling your mood swings.
Posted by fires on March 15, 2006, at 20:39:22
In reply to Insulin is a very powerful hormone, posted by Racer on March 15, 2006, at 19:46:51
I assume/hope that SS and you are right about treatment helping my BP. Today's results may partially explain my multiple mood swings with physical symptoms that I experience daily.
I remember thinking about 2 weeks ago that there's something else "going on" health wise, but routine blood tests showed nothing, and doctors didn't say much when I complained of vague symptoms.
You mentioned the adrenaline connection. I recently had episodes of shaking when experiencing what I call adrenaline surges. (surges have been induced by watching exciting shows on TV).
I'm even wondering if my very early awakenings (between midnight and 3 am) could be related.
Many years ago a local radio talk show host (the old fashioned type of talk show, when they talked to authors, doctors, etc..) had an ER doctor on who talked about the worst case of anxiety that he'd ever seen. It turned out the patient was a diabetic who took too much insulin, rather than a person with an anxiety disorder.
Posted by Phillipa on March 15, 2006, at 20:54:30
In reply to Re: Insulin is a very powerful hormone » Racer, posted by fires on March 15, 2006, at 20:39:22
If I'm not mistaken if you take too much insulin your sugar will go so low that you will indeed passout faint or go into a diabetic comma. Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by gardenergirl on March 15, 2006, at 23:42:57
In reply to Re: Insulin is a very powerful hormone » Racer, posted by fires on March 15, 2006, at 20:39:22
I know I turn into a raging *itch when my blood sugars drop like that. You might try eating several small meals throughout the day, and add a bedtime snack of something with a bit of protein...like yogurt or crackers with peanut butter. Just don't forget to brush your teeth! :)
Morning peanut butter breath is not pretty.
gg
Posted by fires on March 16, 2006, at 0:01:19
In reply to Re: Insulin is a very powerful hormone » fires, posted by gardenergirl on March 15, 2006, at 23:42:57
> I know I turn into a raging *itch when my blood sugars drop like that. You might try eating several small meals throughout the day, and add a bedtime snack of something with a bit of protein...like yogurt or crackers with peanut butter. Just don't forget to brush your teeth! :)
>
> Morning peanut butter breath is not pretty.
>
> ggMy behavior was OK, I just thought about throwing a chair through a window. I wasn't close to doing such. I've had other unusual thoughts, but they are just thoughts. Thank goodness. :)
Do you know the underlying cause of your hypoglycemia (if there is one)? The list of possible causes of it is rather long and somewhat spooky.
Posted by gardenergirl on March 16, 2006, at 14:46:49
In reply to Re: Insulin is a very powerful hormone » gardenergirl, posted by fires on March 16, 2006, at 0:01:19
> > Do you know the underlying cause of your hypoglycemia (if there is one)? The list of possible causes of it is rather long and somewhat spooky.
I don't really know. I do know it's more likely to happen at certain times of my cycle, so I suppose there are hormonal influences. But other than that, I only know that there's a feedback loop between the liver releasing glucagon and the pancreas releasing insulin based on what's going on in the blood at any moment. I assume that something goes wrong there, but I don't know more.
Sorry.
gg
Posted by fires on March 16, 2006, at 22:39:07
In reply to Re: Insulin is a very powerful hormone » fires, posted by gardenergirl on March 16, 2006, at 14:46:49
gg,
No need to be sorry. :)
Here's some info. like that which I had read years ago (it explains why I'm a little uncertain about the meaning of "hypoglycemia"):
Source: http://www.diabetic.com/education/pubs/hypo/hypo.htm
Reactive Hypoglycemia
A diagnosis of reactive hypoglycemia is considered only after other possible causes of low blood sugar have been ruled out. Reactive hypoglycemia with no known cause is a condition in which the symptoms of low blood sugar appear 2 to 5 hours after eating foods high in glucose.
Ten to 20 years ago, hypoglycemia was a popular diagnosis. However, studies now show that this condition is actually quite rare. In these studies, most patients who experienced the symptoms of hypoglycemia after eating glucose-rich foods consistently had normal levels of blood sugar--above 60 mg/dL. Some researchers have suggested that some people may be extra sensitive to the body's normal release of the hormone epinephrine after a meal.
People with symptoms of reactive hypoglycemia unrelated to other medical conditions or problems are usually advised to follow a healthy eating plan. The doctor or dietitian may suggest that such a person avoid foods high in carbohydrates; eat small, frequent meals and snacks throughout the day; exercise regularly; and eat a variety of foods, including whole grains, vegetables, and fruits.
Posted by gardenergirl on March 17, 2006, at 14:31:06
In reply to Re: Insulin is a very powerful hormone, posted by fires on March 16, 2006, at 22:39:07
> In these studies, most patients who experienced the symptoms of hypoglycemia after eating glucose-rich foods consistently had normal levels of blood sugar--above 60 mg/dL. Some researchers have suggested that some people may be extra sensitive to the body's normal release of the hormone epinephrine after a meal.
That's interesting. Because I feel the symptoms of low blood sugar, i.e. feeling shaky, trouble concentrating, irritability, etc. even when my blood glucose level is at "normal" levels, albeit the normal end of low. Often I'll be feeling low and I'll test at 80. We have glucose meters coming out our ears because my hubby has Type I diabetes. But the epinephrine release would explain feeling "the shakes" perhaps. I don't know if it would cause the difficulty concentrating.
>
> People with symptoms of reactive hypoglycemia unrelated to other medical conditions or problems are usually advised to follow a healthy eating plan. The doctor or dietitian may suggest that such a person avoid foods high in carbohydrates; eat small, frequent meals and snacks throughout the day; exercise regularly; and eat a variety of foods, including whole grains, vegetables, and fruits.That's pretty much what the "hypoglycemic diet" my doc gave me several years ago suggested. It was actually a very healthy plan. I should dig that out, because it would also help me with weight loss, I'd bet.
So what are you thinking about your symptoms?
gg
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Posted by fires on March 17, 2006, at 16:19:57
In reply to Re: Insulin is a very powerful hormone » fires, posted by gardenergirl on March 17, 2006, at 14:31:06
> > In these studies, most patients who experienced the symptoms of hypoglycemia after eating glucose-rich foods consistently had normal levels of blood sugar--above 60 mg/dL. Some researchers have suggested that some people may be extra sensitive to the body's normal release of the hormone epinephrine after a meal.
>
> That's interesting. Because I feel the symptoms of low blood sugar, i.e. feeling shaky, trouble concentrating, irritability, etc. even when my blood glucose level is at "normal" levels, albeit the normal end of low. Often I'll be feeling low and I'll test at 80. We have glucose meters coming out our ears because my hubby has Type I diabetes. But the epinephrine release would explain feeling "the shakes" perhaps. I don't know if it would cause the difficulty concentrating.
I'm going to my internists office to pick up a copy of my lab results, but don't know when I'll actually talk with a doc about them. I'm really eager to learn what my low number was, because the lab tech said it was "very low."> >
> > People with symptoms of reactive hypoglycemia unrelated to other medical conditions or problems are usually advised to follow a healthy eating plan. The doctor or dietitian may suggest that such a person avoid foods high in carbohydrates; eat small, frequent meals and snacks throughout the day; exercise regularly; and eat a variety of foods, including whole grains, vegetables, and fruits.
>
> That's pretty much what the "hypoglycemic diet" my doc gave me several years ago suggested. It was actually a very healthy plan. I should dig that out, because it would also help me with weight loss, I'd bet.
>
> So what are you thinking about your symptoms?
>
> ggI have a lot of food intolerances. Therefore I eat a lot rice and apples. Having said that, I *just* read that the "glycemic index" may be inaccurate.(Hope so).
I think my symptoms must be partly due to blood sugar levels, because they are the same symptoms that the challenge produced (only not as severe).
Posted by fires on March 17, 2006, at 18:24:45
In reply to Re: Insulin is a very powerful hormone » fires, posted by gardenergirl on March 17, 2006, at 14:31:06
gg,Here are my results:
Prior to drinking the solution: 86 mg/dl
1 hr. = 112
2 hr = 43
3 hr. = 74
4 hr = 86
I'm going to search and see just how low 43 is considered.
Posted by Phillipa on March 17, 2006, at 18:40:32
In reply to Re: Insulin is a very powerful hormone » gardenergirl, posted by fires on March 17, 2006, at 18:24:45
That's pretty low. Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by fires on March 17, 2006, at 19:22:32
In reply to Re: Insulin is a very powerful hormone » fires, posted by Phillipa on March 17, 2006, at 18:40:32
> That's pretty low. Fondly, Phillipa
What I find strange is that it went back up *before* I ate some candy, french fries and an apple. Also, I still felt bad after they got a level of 74 and 86.
Posted by Phillipa on March 17, 2006, at 19:47:12
In reply to Re: Insulin is a very powerful hormone » Phillipa, posted by fires on March 17, 2006, at 19:22:32
That is strange as you should feel good in that range. Do you see a specialist? Love Phillipa
Posted by fires on March 17, 2006, at 21:00:08
In reply to Re: Insulin is a very powerful hormone » fires, posted by Phillipa on March 17, 2006, at 19:47:12
> That is strange as you should feel good in that range. Do you see a specialist? Love Phillipa
My neurologist just called me. (He ordered the test). Said that the test is indicative of pre-diabetes which needs to be treated aggressively.
I'm calling my internist on Monday to see if I can see him ASAP rather than at my next scheduled appointment(June 6).
My theory is that the sooner I can get something going about this, the sooner I'll be able to tell more about what Lamictal and Wellbutrin are doing -- or not doing. It may also explain why I was thinking that I might have ultra-rapid cycling BP.
I seem to recall that you have thyroiditis and/or diabetes -- right? I'm wondering if you or anyone else knows whether or not I need/will need a glucometer. (I'm ALWAYS thinking ahead :) )
Posted by Phillipa on March 17, 2006, at 21:42:50
In reply to Re: Insulin is a very powerful hormone » Phillipa, posted by fires on March 17, 2006, at 21:00:08
Hyptothyroidism and now a microadenoma on my pituitary see neurologist on Tuesday and I had an MRI two years ago which showed it but no one read it except the radiologist and now they want a repeat cause it could explain all my problems and why I don't respond to meds. Either that or I'm a nut case. And hypoglycemia does lead to diabetes . Love Phillipa
Posted by gardenergirl on March 17, 2006, at 22:47:16
In reply to Re: Insulin is a very powerful hormone » Phillipa, posted by fires on March 17, 2006, at 19:22:32
> > That's pretty low. Fondly, Phillipa
>
> What I find strange is that it went back up *before* I ate some candy, french fries and an apple. Also, I still felt bad after they got a level of 74 and 86.Actually, that's a good sign, I would think. It means your liver reacted to the low number and released glucagon into your blood stream to bring it up.
I seldom use my glucometer. Only when I feel odd and want to verify if it's bloodsugar related. If we didn't have multiples around, I wouldn't necessarily feel the need to get one for myself.
gg
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Posted by Sobriquet Style on March 18, 2006, at 6:05:15
In reply to Re: Insulin is a very powerful hormone » fires, posted by gardenergirl on March 17, 2006, at 22:47:16
Could there be a link between low bood sugar and Lamictal?
Ever since I've started Lamictal I've felt that I've had some mild symptoms that are linked to low blood sugar.
Doing a search on google found that on some epileptic forums, afew Lamictal users reported that their doctors took them off Lamictal due to low blood sugar....
~
Posted by fires on March 18, 2006, at 8:10:42
In reply to Lamictal and Blood sugar?, posted by Sobriquet Style on March 18, 2006, at 6:05:15
> Could there be a link between low bood sugar and Lamictal?
>
> Ever since I've started Lamictal I've felt that I've had some mild symptoms that are linked to low blood sugar.
>
> Doing a search on google found that on some epileptic forums, afew Lamictal users reported that their doctors took them off Lamictal due to low blood sugar....
> ~
I was thinking that it might be due to a med.. My neuro. uses Lamcital for epilepsy and he didn't say anything bout it possibly being the cause.I suspect I have to wait and see if it responds to other treatments.
Posted by fires on March 18, 2006, at 8:26:39
In reply to Re: Insulin is a very powerful hormone » fires, posted by Phillipa on March 17, 2006, at 21:42:50
I don't know what a microadenoma is, but it doesn't sound good, especially a pituitary one.
So you're going to have an MRI real soon?
> Hyptothyroidism and now a microadenoma on my pituitary see neurologist on Tuesday and I had an MRI two years ago which showed it but no one read it except the radiologist and now they want a repeat cause it could explain all my problems and why I don't respond to meds. Either that or I'm a nut case. And hypoglycemia does lead to diabetes . Love Phillipa
Posted by Phillipa on March 18, 2006, at 17:59:57
In reply to Re: Insulin is a very powerful hormone » Phillipa, posted by fires on March 18, 2006, at 8:26:39
Depends on what the neurologist says. His nurse said he may or may not do another one. And now that Medicare is the only insurance I have they are so expensive he may not. Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by spriggy on March 18, 2006, at 23:02:16
In reply to Re: Insulin is a very powerful hormone » fires, posted by gardenergirl on March 15, 2006, at 23:42:57
When all my weirded out moods started a year ago, they did a fasting glucose test and told me I was hypoglycemic.
Never thought it was connected to my horrific anxiety and depression.
This is the end of the thread.
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