Low blood sugar = increased hunger?

[mg_2204]

Hello!

Just wondering... since my BG is rather low these days ---lower than usual, within the range of 5 and 6--- it seems I have no control over my hunger. I'm so hungry I could eat a horse between two slices of bread!!!

Ever experienced this? A bit frustrating when you still have weight to lose. What do you suggest?

Marie
:)

[Linda57]

Hey Marie,
As you know I am having a few problems when my BG drops to a low (for me) number, and I was bingeing (sp) I thought it was a stupid attempt on my part to feel better - maybe it was hunger as you say. Dont know, what do you think?

Love Linda

[am1977]

As for myself,, I know that when my blood sugar is over 200 I basically don't have an appetite. When I am low, sometimes I don't realize I'm hungry, but if I start it is hard for me to stop. I think this is kind of an individual thing. Everyone probably reacts differently to highs and lows.

[Littlebit63_99]

Alot of people who go on pumps experience lower sugars....and need to eat more, then as a result gain weight......I did.

I don't know if you are on a pump or not, but my best sugestion for uncontrollable hunger is what they used to call "free" foods.
Celery is one coming to mind, yuck, but not bad with peanut butter. Some of the sugar free candies now made with Splenda might help. I found sugar free "Creme Savers" the other day. A hard candy like that sometimes helps me take my mind off of a different kind of snack. Drink lots of water too.

Of course, it goes without saying, treat low b/s with appropriate foods. But some of these other things may help.

And last, my catch all............if you have continuing concerns......call your health care prof.

Hugs
Good luck!!!!
Liz

[HeatherP]

5-6 are good numbers, but if your body isn't used to it then it will want you to feed yourself to get your sugars up.

I'm T1, and sometimes when my b/s gets low, say in the 80's or less (4.4) I feel as if I'm starving. And I want to jam every bit of food in sight in my mouth. It's pretty much impossible to resist the craving. Then of course, I end up w/ a rebound high. I have had some success w/ treating the low w/ juice, and then getting out of the kitchen until I'm feeling better. Liz's suggestion of a piece of candy or two to suck on is a good one and I also have had some success doing that.

I think what you're experiencing is pretty common, and if and when you give in to it, try not to get too down on yourself about. You can't go back and change the past, but you can strive to do better in the future.

HeatherP

[lgvincent]

I get hungry when in insulin shock but I've not noticed it at other times.

[mg_2204]

Thanks guys! Good advice... and was interesting to read from all of you.

I'm still hungry :) :) :)

I stick to healthy filling foods most of the time. But you should see the servings! I've eaten all the veggies in 2 days. Will soon have to buy them by the truck load... or grow my own veg garden! I keep looking at all my recipe books and find everything absolutely delicious. Ever heard of 'cook till you drop'? I'm about to achieve that ;)

Well at least it seems I'm just normal... Phew!!

Instead of a horse... should perhaps stick to horseradish?!??

Marie
:)

[rzrbks]

Another thought, Marie, would be to find a protein+ fat(*small amounts) such as cheese. Perhaps a banger wrapped in a slice of bread?

Those are things I use when really hungry and I know that veggies or Carbs will take huge amounts. Not my idea, read it some place but it works for me.

[mg_2204]

I must be extra careful with fat as I am about to have yet another cholesterol test. But thanks for the idea! I eat loads of low fat cottage cheese with my veggies though... and lentils, chick peas and such. I think I'm probably just going through a greedy phase... and NO not pregnant ;)