Post breakfast response

[Ronin]

Fellow Pre-D's (and everyone else):

This morning I had an differnt response following breakfast and I'm wondering if this is at all unusual, or if it is just another milestone along the Pre-D path.

Details:

My FBG was 115 at 0515

At 0530 I had 140 grams of strawberries with 60 grams of fat free youghrt with one packet of Equal. Followed by two cups of black coffee with one packet of Equal each.

at 0720 I had a three-egg-white omlette with four slices of Fat Free Cheese, and 100 grams of Turkey ham, one slice of Whole Grain Bran toast (5 grams carbs), 1/4 cup of OJ and black coffee with Equal. (total carbs = 20 grams)

Shortly after breakfast I started to feel a bit "light headed" -- this is the first time I've ever had this sensation following breakfast. I did a BG test and the meter showed 141. High, but considering that I had just eaten within the past 15 minutes, not too high. About 45 minutes later, after getting ready for our morning tandem bicycle ride, and still feeling a bit light-headed I checked my BG again and recorded an 89.

As we were headed out for a 35 mile hilly ride I made myself a PB&J [1 tablespoon of Smart Balance low fat PB and 1 Tablespoon of Smuckers "Sugar Free" Peach jam on a slice of the same bread that I had for breakfast -- apx 15 grams of carbs]. I have to say that I felt better after a few bites (maybe that is is all in my head).

So, what does the collective wisdom attribute the light-headed feelings to? Is this typicla for a Pre-D not taking any diabetes meds, or is this a sign of things to come?

[princesslinda]

Ronin, have you noticed the dizziness anymore throughout the day? So many things can cause dizziness (BP fluctuations, inner ear are two that come to mind). I notice that I tend to try and relate any "off" feelings that I have to my diabetes.

If you aren't typically noticing a dizzy feeling at that blood sugar level, I'd suspect something else (not necessarily anything serious, just something transient).

That being said, I do notice a dizzy feeling if my blood sugar drops suddenly, even if it doesn't drop to a true "hypo" level....perhaps your pancreas kicked in gear like a non-diabetic and caused that feeling. You'll have to let us know if this trend continues.

[xMenace]

Having 'light headedness' and normal or even high blood sugars is very common. I suspect we only notice it because we're so atuned to looking for it.

[duck]

My theory is your body was putting out a lot of insulin...you ate a half pound of food, call it the so-called "chinese food effect".

[pjams]

When there is light-headedness I do two things - check BG and BP. Usually it is one of the two. This may or may not be true for everybody. I am also on BP medication to keep systolic less than 130, sometimes it goes below 105, and that's when I feel dizzy.
JayP

[Ronin]

Hi Duck!

Your theory misses one thing -- I have the same routine breakfast every morning, and have been doing so for months. The incident I reported was the first time I've had that response to breakfast.

My concern is that this might be a sign of Pre-D moving to Type-2.

For Pjams: No cigar on the BP, my BP is just fine (115/70) and thanks to lots of exercise it stays that way.

I've read about the "Chinese Food Effect" which is a pet theory of Dr. Bernstein, unfortunately not substantiated by any research. Bernstein has some interesting theorys and has done good work for people who are pretty extreme. However, I have a problem with his blanket pronouncments that whatever works for him will automatically work for anyone.

[duck]

Hi Duck!

Your theory misses one thing -- I have the same routine breakfast every morning, and have been doing so for months. The incident I reported was the first time I've had that response to breakfast.

My concern is that this might be a sign of Pre-D moving to Type-2.

For Pjams: No cigar on the BP, my BP is just fine (115/70) and thanks to lots of exercise it stays that way.

I've read about the "Chinese Food Effect" which is a pet theory of Dr. Bernstein, unfortunately not substantiated by any research. Bernstein has some interesting theorys and has done good work for people who are pretty extreme. However, I have a problem with his blanket pronouncments that whatever works for him will automatically work for anyone.

Agreed. As stated, just a theory.

Otherwise, I'm as baffled as you are. I don't want to blow this off, but let's not make a mountain out of a molehill--or, let's see if this happens again, and then we can apply some more reason to it (easy for me to say on this side of the monitor, I know).

[mho357]

My FBG was 115 at 0515...

...I did a BG test and the meter showed 141. High, but considering that I had just eaten within the past 15 minutes, not too high...

Ronin - I'm new to this so forgive my ignorance but 141 doesn't sound high to me.

From what I've been able to gather so far, 141 after a meal is good.

I've read on these forums about maintaining "normal" levels below 100. I thought that the typical goals were much higher than that.

What am I missing? Again, I am new to this but I think I start to feel low when I get below 90 or so.

Thanks,

M

[princesslinda]

Hi MHO:
Sometimes when someone is a newly diagnosed diabetic, their blood sugar levels have ran higher than normal for a long time and the body recognizes these higher levels as "normal." When, due to diet/exercise/medications they have a more normal blood sugar, they will indeed feel low, until their body adjusts the the better blood sugars.

When first diagnosed, 100 made me feel "shaky." Now, I don't feel any different until i'm 70 or less.

You'll find many different discussions about what your blood sugars should be at any given time. I was told that I should keep my levels as close to that of a non-diabetic as possible, the thought being that if non-diabetics have less risks of complications than diabetics do, a diabetic with non-diabetic levels would have the same risks...and it makes sense if you think about it.

My doctor told me my fasting should be 110 or less, 2 hr after meals 140 or less (though I prefer to be lower than that and am unless i've had more carbs than I should). As you get used to testing and finding how certain foods affect your blood sugars, you'll know what foods will keep you within your acceptable levels.