Stress question

nab486 · #1 (**permalink**) 11-24-2003, 12:15 PM

Hi everyone,

Fairly new here, really enjoying it! I am newly diagnosed type 1.5. (diagnosed type II a year ago, GAD test showed anitbodies... thanks to these forums I knew what to ask for) Anyway, I see my Dr. tomorrow for an intro class on insulin.

My question is.... I coach a group of teens from our church in a monthly bible competition. Once a month we have a match, and I try to be very good with what I eat on those days ( this weekend I carried a bag of pistacios and cashews for lunch ... which would normally keep me very well under control) Well, I was 200 all day, and haven't returned to my normal numbers since. (that was Saturday) Does adrenelin do that to anyone else? I am not bad stressed, I am having a blast but it is just the excitement of the day I guess and the "edge" of competition. It is frustrating because I have been controlling my diabetes with diet for the last year and this is the one thing that hammers me every time.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Jamie

HeatherP · #2 (**permalink**) 11-24-2003, 01:33 PM

You're right about the adrenaline. Actually, one of the ways a body reacts to low blood sugars is the release of adrenaline, which is what contributes to feeling shaky and making the heart "pound". Stress or excitement will cause sugars to go up (in some people, it can go up or down). Next time, you could try taking a little more insulin, or eating a bit less. On these types of days, it may be helpful to ck your b/s more frequently until you figure out how best to deal with this situation. Talk to your instructor about this experience - he/she will undoubtedly be able to provide you with info to help manage those days. Good Luck!

HeatherP

rzrbks · #3 (**permalink**) 11-24-2003, 02:02 PM

nab486, or should I say New American Bible 486,

Stress, both kinds--good or bad--has an effect on your BG readings. As Heather pointed out, yuo'll need to test and see how your stress effects you so that you can begin to understand how to keep your BG under control.

Test, Test, Test--since we have these wonderful machines, use them to help you keep in the range that is best for you.