Low BS and stress.

Sarmar7 · #1 (**permalink**) 06-22-2006, 02:12 PM

I know BS can rise when you are stressed but can it also keep going low. Grandad is very ill and it is just a matter of time until we lose him and obviously im so stressed and upset and I cant keep my BS up whatever I do. Ive tried less insulin, more carbs and still I keep going really low. Is it just coincidence or have other people noticed the same thing?

Georgia · #2 (**permalink**) 06-22-2006, 02:22 PM

I believe stress can make you go either way, high or low (or so I was told on my Insulin Dose Adjustment Course). I'm so sorry to hear about your grandad & the very sad time you & your family are going through. Keep testing regularly so that you can catch any lows before they drop further. Thinking of you - hang in there.

Georgia

lgvincent · #3 (**permalink**) 06-22-2006, 02:43 PM

I go into insulin shock really bad when I'm under stress. Sorry for what you're having to go through.

mg_2204 · #4 (**permalink**) 06-22-2006, 03:02 PM

Unfortunately diabetes isn't just about what you eat. Stress can affect your blood glucose, illness, etc. It's a real pain that disease!!!

The best would be to try and eliminate as much stress as possible. You are very worried about your grand-father and there is not much you can do about this but... what about trying to eliminate all the other stresses of your life? Or at least try to reduce them. In other words aside from what you are going through with your grand-father, put everything else on the back burner. Take care of yourself. You will be able to really be there for your grand-father.

Check your BG often. Make sure you eat healthy. When under lots of stress we often forget to eat healthy.

A great big hug to you. It's not easy what you are going through.

valc3 · #5 (**permalink**) 06-22-2006, 04:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sarmar7

I know BS can rise when you are stressed but can it also keep going low. Grandad is very ill and it is just a matter of time until we lose him and obviously im so stressed and upset and I cant keep my BS up whatever I do. Ive tried less insulin, more carbs and still I keep going really low. Is it just coincidence or have other people noticed the same thing?

Emotional stress now makes my numbers drop and stay there. Like you, I tried less insulin, more carbs, different carbs nothing worked. I know it's easier said than done, put your energy into letting go of the stress. If the stress gets bad, I take long quiet walks. Weed the flower gardens, anything that will distract me. Laughter is another thing that works really well. I'll find anything to laugh about.

If you are having hypos, you're not helping yourself or your Grandfather. Make yourself the priority. You'll be able to offer more help and support during this time.

My thoughts and prayers are with you.

poodlebone · #6 (**permalink**) 06-22-2006, 06:58 PM

My BG has dropped when under stress. Some people have told me that it's impossible and that the "fight or flight" response will always drive it up. I know other diabetics who have also reported their BG dropping due to stress.

I'm very sorry to hear about your grandfather. I know it will be hard, but try to take care of yourself and keep checking your BG often.

KickStart101 · #7 (**permalink**) 06-23-2006, 02:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sarmar7

I know BS can rise when you are stressed but can it also keep going low. Grandad is very ill and it is just a matter of time until we lose him and obviously im so stressed and upset and I cant keep my BS up whatever I do. Ive tried less insulin, more carbs and still I keep going really low. Is it just coincidence or have other people noticed the same thing?

Coincidence?? Definitely not. Although the majority of Diabetics seem to have a
continual rise in their blood sugars during stressfull times, there is a small percentage
of us whose sugars continually drop. Both are frustrating.
I've always had the low bs problem also. My stomach would get very nauseas so I
couldn't eat anything to try and keep my sugars up. All I could do was stir about
3 or 4 teaspoons of sugar into a glass of juice and drink a few of those to get my
stomach back into gear(which also temporarily kept my mind off the stress)so then
although picky it would allow me to put
some actual food into my stomach to help to keep my sugars at least at
4.5/80 to 5.6/100. What a chore!!! You are not alone. Good Luck to you wth managing
your stress and sugar levels.

I'im sorry to hear about your Grandfather's sad condition.