Hypoglycemia: Getting worse?

[inspiredbyjonas]

I have a few questions...I've been diagnosed with hypoglycemia for as long as I can remember. I am 17, turning 18 on New Year's Eve.

Recently, I have been looking up hypoglycemia, and I think I that I know nothing about it.

I've been having dizzy spells and if I don't eat breakfast...well, last year, I grabbed something to eat (turned out to be organic oatmeal cookies) to eat for breakfast, and I felt so dizzy that I threw up and slept the rest of the day. The spells happen everytime I get up, basically, and I wake up in the middle of the night and go back to sleep, to see that, yet again, I wake up an hour or so later. Sometimes I shake and I don't feel like eating, all I want is sweets, so I eat a brownie or a scoop of ice cream, and then I feel horrible, like I want to throw up. Sometimes I am so hungry, so I make something to eat, but then I feel so sick that I can't eat it. Sometimes I have trouble breathing. Everything's gone away, with light dizziness occasionally. Should I still be concerned?

(I seem to have all or most of the symptoms of hypoglycemia….but, the question is: Is it a ‘disease’ itself or is something connected only with diabetes? I am so confused!)

My doctor and I have done nothing about this, we never talk about it when I go to her. It's always my asthma that is the concern.

I've been reading, as I said before, and it said I should wear an ID tag, but isn't that only for diabetes?

All sites said to eat some candy...I agree that helps, but it seems to have a crash later, maybe?

Am I taking this too seriously?

I am confused because I have been doing nothing really, and it the sites say that it is a symptom or something like that (downfall?) of Type 1. Is that true? Then what is wrong with me? Or are all they wrong? Because, for all I know, I don't have Type 1.

I don't THINK that it's Type 1, because wouldn't it have been worse? Or more visible? Maybe it's Type 2? I'm uneducated and have no clue!

Can you get diabetes from hypoglycemia?

Can someone help me? I'm itching to know what's wrong with my body.

[BlueSky]

... (I seem to have all or most of the symptoms of hypoglycemia….but, the question is: Is it a ‘disease’ itself or is something connected only with diabetes? I am so confused!)....
Reactive Hypoglycemia often precedes the onset of T2 diabetes. But many people who have hypoglycemia never get T2.

Insulin makes your blood sugar drop. And when blood sugar drops below normal, you feel dizzy, shaky and nervous. So the question you should be asking is "why are my beta cells producing too much insulin". To answer this you need to consider that the beta cells only produce insulin when blood sugar goes up. And blood sugar goes up when you eat carbohydrate foods, like bread, rice, potatoes anything made with flour and/or sugar etc. There is an over-reaction to the sudden supply of glucose from these carbohydrate foods, and blood sugar drops a few hours later. This is why eating candy provides immediate relief, but you have a crash later.

My suggestion is that you go on a low-carb diet. It would to a large extent remove the stimulus for insulin production, so hopefully you won't keep on going hypo. It would also help if you got a meter and tested your blood sugar when this happens. It would help you understand what is happening.

[notme]

Hi inspiredbyjonas, it is really impossible for people on the internet to help you find a diagnosis on the internet. Your symptoms could be for so many different things from drug reaction to hypoglycemia that I know most would be concerned about trying.

If you think you might have type two diabetes, you need to see your doctor and ask for her to do blood tests and find out where your blood sugars have been for the past several months. Usually, the first signs of diabetes will be blurred vision, weight loss or gain, frequent urination, extreme fatigue and unquenchable thirst. However, we are all different and your symptoms may be different from ours. Type two diabetes sometimes will have a slower onset and the symptoms can vary greatly.

If you have type one diabetes,, your symptoms will almost always be the same. Frequent urination, extreme fatigue, weight loss, and a thirst that is hard to describe. Most will end up hospitalized within a few days of extreme symptoms in ketoacidosis.

I know very little about hypoglycemia, but I am sure someone here can fill you in.

I think you should call your doctor. Tell her you do not want to discuss asthma unless she directly thinks it is involved in your feeling so ill. Ask her to do a blood test and find out where your blood sugars have been the past three months (this is called an HbA1c). Let her know you are concerned and are worried and you need some answers. If she refuses to help, find a doctor that can help.

Call your doctor. Please check back in and tell us how you are feeling and what she has done for you.

[Erin]

I'm surprized your doctor hasn't helped you with this as you have been diagnosed with hypoglycemia. I had a friend in college with hypoglycemia. She ate lots of protein rich food, very often. If it was a long time between meals or if she ate a lot of carbs she would crash as you've described. I don't know if she ate sugar when her bg dropped... but i know she primarily ate lots of food, with lots of protein, small meals, very often.

also hypoglycemia just means low blood sugar. If you have low blood sugar on it's own, it's known as hypoglycemia. Us folks with diabetes have hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) and we have to take medicine called insulin to bring it down. the wrong ballance of insulin food and excersise and we can end up with hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) as a result.

[inspiredbyjonas]

First of all, thank you for replying! I've posted on two other forums and you guys are quick!

BlueSky: I don't know what type of hypoglycemia I have...I didn't even know there WERE types!

Does that mean I'll probably get Type 2? It's been recently getting worse, and I told my best friend, and she said to go to the doctor, and I didn't tell my mom.

I have many questions, yes. How do I go on a diet?

notme: I understand, but I guessed that someone would know something. I only take Zrytec, and the occasional Albuterol (inhaler). It can't be that, because I've taken that for a while. And this is kinda recent. (the summer)

I don't know what I have. I have no clue what my health is right now. I didn't touch on it on my last asthma check up. (It's bad.)

I have those signs exactly.

If I have diabetes, how long does it take? Do these symptoms lessen then come back? It was pretty severe. I'm scared.

I don't want to go to the doctor with my mom, and I don't have my license. What do you think I should do?

I apparently know very little also. Do you think it's unreasonable to get an ID tag or is it a good idea? I was freaking out during school today. (I heard you can have seizures and such.)

That sounds like a good plan. Have any ideas of to what I should say to start out? How should I tell my mom?

I will do so. I just need to have time, but I think I should make time. Should I call with or without my mom?

Erin: I'm surprised too, but it really hasn't taken this much of a toll on me before. I thought I had something, but something told me to look up hypoglycemia, and I had those symptoms showing up.

I have that problem of timing, (for meals), now that school is starting up again. :(

I have been trying to eat small meals, but it seems to make no difference.

I'm sorry I'm relaying on ya'll, but I have noone else to turn to. I'm at work, so sorry for these responses. I just needed to know, and I probably won't have computer time after, because I have no privacy basically and restrictions.

I'm worried that this will turn into something worse (T1 or T2, is that even possible? This late?)...It's mainly gone away, so should I still be concerned?

I'm on hold right now.

[BlueSky]

There is not much point in us second guessing each other as to what this might be all about. Also, don't rely on hearsay. Only T1s who inject too much insulin have seizures, so this isn't going to happen to you. Tell your mom about it the next time you see her and she will help you get it sorted out ;) .

[notme]

I think you absolutely should tell your Mother. My 26 year old daughter will still discuss medical issues with me as I know her long time medical history much better than she does. Your Mother would want to know and want to help.

As far as wearing a medical ID, I think that idea is a little premature except for your diagnosed, Asthma. I think you need to figure out what is wrong before you wear an ID stating possibly the wrong diagnosis.

Let us know how things go for you and your Mom.

[inspiredbyjonas]

BlueSky: I'm confused. What is this all about? I read it all of these websites, so I was trusting them...

I don't want to tell my mom, because I think that maybe I am making too much of a big deal. And it's expensive. And she's busy and stressed out anyways. She doesn't need this.

notme: I tell my mom things, but this just feels uncomfortable. What if I am wrong? Over-seeing this? Making it a big deal? Maybe it's just nothing. Maybe I just was sick for a while. I don't know.

I don't know how to tell her, for one. Or WHAT to tell her.

Thought so and agree. (about tags) I never thought of it for Asthma. Do I need one for hypoglycemia or (as I think) is it completely unnecessary?

[BlueSky]

BlueSky: I'm confused. What is this all about? I read it all of these websites, so I was trusting them....
The danger is that you may be getting the wrong information. Diagnosing oneself based on internet info is really not a good idea. You may get the wrong idea about what is wrong with you. And you may end up trying to treat the wrong thing. Even more importantly, you may start worrying about non-existent problems.

From what you have said, there are issues that need to be dealt with. If your mom is like most parents, she will want to be told about them, and she will be happy to do whatever it takes to sort them out.

[inspiredbyjonas]

BlueSky: I guess so. But, I HAVE been diagnosed with hypoglycemia, since I was born. I am just wondering if it's inclined or turned into something worse.

I tend to worry, yes.

I guess there are things to be dealt with, but I don't know how/what to say to either my doctor or my parents. I'm scared and helpless. I don't know what to do.

[BlueSky]

Tell your parents what you wrote in your first post. Tell them you suspect that these episodes are caused by hypoglycemia, and that you need their help to get to the bottom of this. The best way to find out for sure whether your dizzy spells are caused by low blood sugar is to do a blood glucose test when this happens. You can get a monitor with strips from a pharmacy without prescription, or you may want to see the doctor first.

When you have some test results, you will have information you can take to the doctor and on which a treatment plan can be based. The best part about it is that you will know what you are dealing with, whatever it is, and you will stop worrying ... ;) .

[inspiredbyjonas]

All of that? I don't have the money to buy that. Should I go to the doctor and see if she says I should get a monitor or just try to get one?

Maybe I'll get one and see if my level is bad? Or should I wait for a bad episode?

I'll try to get an appointment.

Thank you.

[BlueSky]

If you have been diagnosed with hypoglycemia, you really should have a meter anyway. Don't wait for the next dizzy spell. Get it now, that you have it when you need it. Get your mother to pay for it :D .

[genie86333]

Ok, the thing that's really concerning me here is one of the things you said in your original post was:

"Sometimes I have trouble breathing."

That's not something to mess around with...EVER...nor is it making a big deal out of nothing. That IS a big deal. Talk to your mom or at least talk to your doctor.

[inspiredbyjonas]

BlueSky: I never heard to get one from anyone. When should I use it? How often? What's a good level? Bad level?

I actually had a dizzy spell until the beginning of this period (8:30), (I am at school right now), and it only got better because I ate a little of (reduced)sugared cereal. I have to do that now, otherwise I have dizzy problems.

That sounds like a good solution, to get it now. Do you know how much they cost or what kind to get for my age?

I'll get my dad to pay for it. :D He makes more money.

genie86333: The breathing thing has gone away, but it was all day, then worse at night during this summer. (about July until first week of school.) I thought it was stress/anxiety related.

I'm not messing around with it. It's true. (Maybe I'm taking your words wrong?)

Which first? Mom or doctor? I'm still confused on what to say. I'm thinking of bringing it up today after school.

[davef]

I'd suggest you talk to your mom (or Dad) first. You mom/dad need to know about this, they will want to have it investigated and sorted out. By telling them first, you have somebody to go to the Doctor with you and to make sure your Doctor does not concentrate on your asthma.

Stop trying to deal with this on your own, your parents will want to know about it.

What to tell your mom, as Bluesky said, tell her exactly what you have told us. I know that talking to parents can be hard sometimes (i'm 42 and still have difficulties) but just tell your mom that you are worried about something and need her help.

[inspiredbyjonas]

Davef: My mom knows me better, so I'd prefer talking to her. I agree. I am planning on telling her tonight.

You're absolutely right.

Thank you!

[inspiredbyjonas]

Hey guys,

I'm updating for you. I've gotten worse. Right now, I feel like I am going to throw up and I have a pit in my stomach. My heart beat has quickened and I also have a numbing/tingling feeling all over.

My hand has been shaking on and off today.

I can't think straight, or concentrate much. I hope the constricted breathing doesn't come again.

I think it's the time to tell my mom. I didn't think this would start up again.

Now the question is: What's the source? I guess I have to go to the doctor to find out.

Wish me luck! I am on my way to talk to my mom soon.

[genie86333]

genie86333: The breathing thing has gone away, but it was all day, then worse at night during this summer. (about July until first week of school.) I thought it was stress/anxiety related.

I'm not messing around with it. It's true. (Maybe I'm taking your words wrong?)

Which first? Mom or doctor? I'm still confused on what to say. I'm thinking of bringing it up today after school.

Yes, you took the words wrong. :) I just meant messing around as in taking precious time wondering what to do - difficulty breathing is always a serious situation, and it may have just been stress related, but no matter what caused it, it's serious. I've had friends and a parent die because of breathing difficulties, caused by different things, so I know firsthand that it's something that needs to be dealt with as soon as you can.

As to which first...if you want to bring your mom in on it so she can help you talk to the doc or just for the moral support, then by all means, talk to her first. If not, talk to your doctor right away - either way, talk to the doctor as soon as possible.

Edited to add: Just saw your last post - glad you've decided to talk to your mom. Hope you're back to feeling better soon. Keep us posted.

[inspiredbyjonas]

I know that know, thank you. :D

I just didn't know if it was my asthma acting up or not. Maybe the combination of the three: stress/anxiety, hypoglycemia, and asthma. Who knows?

I talked to my mom just now, and I also sent her the shortened version of my first post. We're going to the doctor! She says she's making an appointment, and she's going to make me a better breakfast from now on. (She's hypoglycemic too, and I think Type 2.)

I just can't wait to see my test results...just to know! Wish me luck. I'll keep ya'll posted.

[genie86333]

Sounds like a great mom...glad you talked to her & that you're getting checked out.

I'll be keeping you in my thoughts. I hope it all goes well for you.

[BlueSky]

... I just can't wait to see my test results...just to know! Wish me luck. I'll keep ya'll posted.
You are on the right track there, and we look forward to your next update. :)

[inspiredbyjonas]

Thanks. She really is. I'm glad I did too. I really want to know the results. I was/am really worried about this.

Thank you! :D

[inspiredbyjonas]

Nothing yet, I haven't gone yet. No appointment made. :(

[Mich]

Hi inspiredbyjonas,

I've been reading your story and the good advice given to you by people here. Keep at it, it may be a few days before you get an appointment but yay for your mom for taking care of business.

I have two daughters, one is hypoglycemic and one has asthma.

With hypoglycemia, my daughter's best snack to take with her is cut up cheese and wheat thins or low carb crackers. She doesn't get a crash afterward and it keeps her from getting the headache or shaky feeling. If she gets that way first (usuually from skipping a meal) she has some OJ or a few lifesavers and then the cheese and crackers. She learned how to handle it from my mom, who has been hypoglycemic all of her life (she's past 80 now and has never had diabetes.)

I also have noted over the years that in addition to running in dusty areas and pollen, stress adds to my other daughter's asthma. The things you are worrying about may be making things a little worse...so (yeah, right...) try to relax.

We are all waiting to hear your next update.

Mich

[inspiredbyjonas]

Hi Mich,

It's nice to know that someone is still looking at this. Thanks for reading it. She still hasn't made the appointment. We've been extremely busy, with school and my Girl Scouts. And work. But, yes, yay.

Oh, wow. Tough for them. :(

I'll try that, thanks. Do you have any suggestions for at school? (because it won't be fresh during school, you know?) Thank you for the advice. That's great your mom isn't diagnosed.

I've been drinking a protein shake and some low carb bread for breakfast. (instead of my reduced (4g) sugar, cereal). I need to buy lifesavers.

Thanks for that advice too. And the cold! I hate the cold. And NEVER try the pacer in school, I almost collasped and was a second away from an attack. (I was having the whole thing--clattering teeth, laboring, etc.)

I'll try, but I tend to worry about myself and others. It's just my nature. I just care. (That's why everyone thinks I'll be a good nurse. Which I am going to college for in the fall.)

This morning, I was shaky, then it went away, then came back as only dizziness and a slight shake here and there.

Thank you, I will update! You were soo helpful. :D

[lysssa16]

Ok, so ive been reading what everyone is saying and think I mighnt have hypoglycemia also because I've look all over the internet and all the symptons decribed for hypoglycemia match how i feel.

Ever time I dont eat for even like 3 hrs or after i eat something sugary i feel dizzy, shaky, confused, really hungry, really thirsty, craving something sweet, horrible stomach pain (sometimes), numbing/tingling feeling all over, bad anxiety, and sometimes headaches. But like if i eat/drink something sugary then i feel almost immediatly but crash later. and it isnt like this is new, ive felt like this my whole life, im 16 now.

I really dont want to keep no knowing what is wrong with me for 2yrs until i can see a doctor on my own, but i dont want to tell my mom cause im not close with her at all,.plus she NEVER takes me to the doctor, even if im sick so ive never been to a doctor in my life. Plus my mom dosent have alot of money to take me to the doctors or any money for any help i would need if i did have hypoglycemia.

I really don't know who to talk to about this because im afraid im just overreacting and it'll end up being nothing at all and I will look stupid. I dont know where to go from here. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

[EeyoreButterfly]

Welcome to the forums! You may have hypoglycemia, or you could also be having reactive lows, in other words after you eat your sugar goes too high and then your body kicks out too much insulin causing you to go low not long afterward. This is what happened to me and how I became diagnosed with prediabetes.

What you are describing can be dangerous if left untreated- both long term and immediately. If you go too low you could pass out, and that is not a good thing. I would recommend starting with your school nurse or a counselor. You need to see a doctor ASAP! I know that you don't want to, but this is something that you need to seriously consider talking to your mother about. Someway, somehow, you need to get to a doctor. Treatment and prevention are a heck of a lot cheaper than an ER visit or hospital stay.

[EeyoreButterfly]

Jonas, I'm surprised you haven't gone to a doctor yet. You really need to go and get this sorted out.

I am a teacher, and while we have a fridge in our classroom, I also keep some things with me for when I go low in my purse. I either have nuts or beef jerky for the protein, and then I carry glucose tabs for the sugar. The key when you go low is to have something with sugar to bring you up quickly, but then also have some protein to help you stay up. If you just have sugar you will crash as you have discovered.

[inspiredbyjonas]

Me either, my mom keeps forgetting or she won't. I don't know the deal. I put reminders on post-its and the pop-ups on the computer. And text her. And call her.

I need to go. I can't let this get bad like before.

Thank you for the advice. I'll do that. Thank you! That solves it. Talk to you tomorrow, I have a minute until my internet cuts off.

[inspiredbyjonas]

Btw, where do you get tabs?

[EeyoreButterfly]

Any place with a pharmacy section. Wal Mart has a great variety in various flavors, as does Walgreens. BD sells some generic orange flavor ones, and it seems like most stores carry those if nothing else. They'll be with the other diabetic products like meters, strips, lotions, etc.

[lysssa16]

Is there any where you know of that I could get one of those blood sugar monitors to test it myself? And if I do get one of those would I be able to just use it my self or would I need like a doctor or someone to show me how to use it, since it does involve drawing blood?

[inspiredbyjonas]

Thank you. What's BD?

Oh, I had the orange ones a WHILE ago.

[inspiredbyjonas]

I believe that you should ask your doctor to show you the correct way, and ask what times you should do it. That's what I am doing.

[EeyoreButterfly]

BD is simply a brand that has a lot of diabetic supplies. They are the only national brand of glucose tabs I've seen in the stores around here, most stores carry them plus a store brand.

As far as the meter, talk to your doctor. I know mine gave me my first meter for free. Drug reps just hand them to the doctors. My doctor knew that I am in higher education (I am getting a Master's Degree) and the booklet was self explanatory, so she didn't show me how to use it. I was fine teaching myself, although I was given the impression she normally shows people how to use their meters. The other benefit is that if your doctor prescribes it, you get the test strips for much cheaper through insurance copays. Most meters only come with 10 test strips to start out, that's how they make all their money, so the savings on strips is definitely worth it.

Also, your doctor can tell you when and how often to test and what your particular numbers should be. Your doctor can also tell you how s/he wants you to treat episodes of hypo if that is what is truly going on with your body.

[inspiredbyjonas]

That's true. Thanks. :D

[inspiredbyjonas]

I had a horrible headache and the sensation of throwing up with dizziness and I was extremely cold (almost shivering, sometimes was). Do you think this is connected?

[EeyoreButterfly]

I had a horrible headache and the sensation of throwing up with dizziness and I was extremely cold (almost shivering, sometimes was). Do you think this is connected?


Quite possibly. When are you going to see yoru doctor?

[inspiredbyjonas]

This was Sunday, btw.

My mom hasn't made an appointment yet.

Can someone help me plan the break-down of what I need to say/ask?

[EeyoreButterfly]

Hon, I think you've already said everything in this thread that you need to say to your mom, and if I recall correctly, several people have given you suggestions on that front. This is getting dangerous, you need to quit stalling and have your mother make that appointment.

Just say something alone the lines of, "Mom, I haven't been feeling well." Give her the full rundown of what's been going on, and what you are afraid it might be. Stress to her that you are scared and would like her to make the appointment now. If that doesn't work, the next step will be to talk to your school nurse (I presume you are still in school). She might be able to give you a better idea of what is going on and might be able to help you get that appointment scheduled.

Talk to your mom TONIGHT. The longer you put it off, the more dangerous it will become.

[inspiredbyjonas]

I've already told my mom. I was asking what to say/ask to my doctor....when she makes the appointment. Sorry!

And, yes, I'm a senior in high school.

Thanks!

[EeyoreButterfly]

Oops! Misunderstood. Get your mom to make that call TOMORROW, if you have to stand over her while she makes it. Dial the phone and put it in her hand if you have to, lol.

As for the doctor, in another thread it was suggested to somebody to write down every single one of their symptoms and hand it to the doctor. I would do that. Also note frequency and if there are certain circumstances that precede the symptoms. I would not attempt to "self diagnose" so to speak until after the doctor has had a chance to look at all the symptoms and talk to you. If after s/he has and you aren't sure about the diagnosis they are thinking of, then it would be appropriate to ask, "could it be this?"

[inspiredbyjonas]

I tried to quote you, but the computer wouldn't let me and...yeah.

I don't know the number of my doctor, lol.

I don't understand the quote above...I have to write down the symptoms? And the intensities and such? I've done that before, but I lost it. (I've been losing my mind!)

I can't remember ALL of them and I don't know what to write. What do you mean by certain circumstances?

Also, how do you think I should go about asking for the prescription for the meter?

Thank you so much! I'm almost there!

P.S. Sorry for being so dependent on ya'll...I feel so bad!

[Tattoo azz]

hiya
panic, nausea (feeling sick), lethargy, confusion, paranoia, dizziness, blurred vision, muscle pain, excessive urinating, excessive drinking, a REALLY REALLY REALLY sweet tooth these are some of the symptoms to look out for and to make a note of, also anything out of the ordinary no matter how insignificant it may seem.Certain circumstances would be if you had been excercising, or if it had been a while since you last ate. When you see your Dr wait until he's finished talking through your symptoms and asking questions, at the end he should ask you if you have any questions that is when you ask for a meter (just ask him straight out, you will not get into trouble), he/she will probably give you one anyway just to be on the safeside.

[EeyoreButterfly]

I tried to quote you, but the computer wouldn't let me and...yeah.

I don't know the number of my doctor, lol.

I don't understand the quote above...I have to write down the symptoms? And the intensities and such? I've done that before, but I lost it. (I've been losing my mind!)

I can't remember ALL of them and I don't know what to write. What do you mean by certain circumstances?

Also, how do you think I should go about asking for the prescription for the meter?

Thank you so much! I'm almost there!

P.S. Sorry for being so dependent on ya'll...I feel so bad!

Make a list of all your symptoms first. Then, write next to each one how bad it is. So if you get dizzy, how dizzy are you? Are you able to go about daily activities, do you have troulbe walking straight, do you have to lie down, etc.? Also write when it occurs. For instance, do you tend to have this problem a couple of hours after eating, when you skip meals, etc. This will help your doctor see patterns.

Let your doctor suggest a meter. If the visit is over and they don't, say, "I've read about low blood sugar and am concerned that I should test my blood sugar when this happens. Do you think I need a meter? Can you write me a prescription for it?"

Now, if it is not actually your blood sugar but something else that is causing symptoms, a meter won't be necessary.

[inspiredbyjonas]

Okay, that makes sense, but I don't know when it does...

Okay, that sounds great and makes sense, thank you.

My mom is making an appointment for me to get a physical right now (after saying some-things to me, like how insurance doesn't cover physicals and how I'm going to get blood taken out and how she has a list a mile long to do (I replied that this persides (sp?) over work and it only takes 5 minutes))...it's on Tuesday, after school.

Anything else I should do?

Thank you so much!

[EeyoreButterfly]

Your insurance doesn't cover physicals? I know my insurance pays the full cost of the physical 1x per year, I don't even have to pay a copay. I was under the impression this was common practice.

I'm gald you're finally getting your appointment. Honestly, I think that you are doing everything you can. Just remember:
-write down what, when, and how bad symptom wise
-At the end if she hasn't mentioned it, ask about a BS meter and getting tests like the a1c done. Ask her how often you should test and what your target numbers should be.
-Let her know your fears. She can help you deal with the emotional component and can also help you figure out what is going on.

Good luck! Let us know how it goes.

[inspiredbyjonas]

That's what my mom said. What do you have?

Thank you, me too! My brother is getting one done too.

1. I'll try...but my memory is like, shot. I have no clue about when or how bad they are. It varies. I'll have to type it up.
2. BS? a1c? I have no clue what you are talking about. And do I need a prescription?
3. I don't know what to say about fears...

Thank you. I hope I just get better! I've been feeling dizzy, fatigued (extremely, like all I wanna do is sleep all the time!) and having headaches all week!

[EeyoreButterfly]

BS is Blood Sugar. She can test it then and there. It's better if you fast, but even after eating is fine. For instance, at my first appointment the did a random stick about 3 hours after eating and it was 152. Considering that at the two hour mark it should be under 140 she was able to see that it was higher than it should have been.

Your a1c is a measure of your average blood sugar over the past three months. Basically, sugar sticks to the blood cells, and they test the blood cells to see what your average sugar is. This does not tell the whole story. Your a1c should be under 7- mine was 5.7. If they had just done the a1c and not had me test for a week we would never have caught what was going on. I had enough lows that it balanced out the highs. It is still an important piece of the puzzle.

[inspiredbyjonas]

Oh, haha, I knew that! (BS) Should I ask for one? Even if it's been less than two?

Okay then. Thank you. :D That makes sense.

There is sooo much to remember! Can you please tell me what I should ask for (all of it), just so I don't forget anything? (Like the whole thing...I hope you know what I am talking about) And what I have to do tonight to prepare? I'd really appreciate it very much. I'm sorry I'm asking too much, if you can't just tell me. Thank you SO much for everything!

[inspiredbyjonas]

Tattoo azz: I totally forgot to respond to you! That sounds exactly like me. I'll ask for one, thank you. :D

[EeyoreButterfly]

To ask for:
-Full Blood Panel (she'll know what this means: basically a1c, cholesterol, iron count) that will not only give you an idea of your blood sugar, it can pinpoint another reason you have been feeling poorly
-A blood sugar check there. depending on the time try to fast for 8 hours beforehand
-A meter to check your own blood sugar. Ask what the numbers should be and what you can do if they are not in the proper range.

As for tonight: Like I said, depending on the time it might be helpful to fast for 8 hours, but this won't be possible if it is an afternoon appointment. Just get a good night's sleep, and remember that tomorrow you should hopefully have some answers. Take a deep breath and relax.

[Lizzie G]

good luck with your appointment i hope it goes well. i dont want to second guess anything but apparently its relatively common to have bouts of hypoglycaemia in your teens that are normally outgrown, so its not necessarily doom and gloom...however, im not trying to say its any less serious or problematic so make sure you get checked out and let us know how you get on, id also suggest that you incorporate lots of wholegrains into your diet that release more slowly into your bloodstream and also certain fats can slow the release of sugar into your bloodstream and have a stabilising effect....good luck.......xxx

[inspiredbyjonas]

Thank you.

I had my appointment today, and I said the majority of my symptoms, (and after she left I forgot to tell her about the unquenchable thirst and frequent bathroom breaks). She said that she was going to take a blood sample (which turned out to be 2 vials, at least, that's what I saw, the nurse might have had another patient's too, because someone was in there before me) to check everything (sugar levels, kidney, anemia...everything...) When she came back with my cup (yes, I had to get a urine sample...), I asked, "Should I get a meter?" and she asked, ("A blood glucose meter?" I answered, "Yes.") "Does your mom have one?" I answered no, and she pondered this...and she responded that we'll see about that after I get my blood work results.

So, yeah, that's what happend! My mom said they usually take about two days (so, Friday) to get the results...wish me luck! :/

My mom also said if the results were regular or whatever ( I don't remember what the exact word was), then I'd fast and get the results done on my teacher workday on Tuesday. (next)

[EeyoreButterfly]

Thanks for the update! We'll keep our fingers crossed for you.

[inspiredbyjonas]

You're welcome and thank you!

Did I do everything right? I'm so worried about everything!

[EeyoreButterfly]

Sounds good to me. I wouldn't worry about forgetting that one symptom, blood work will tell the tale.

[inspiredbyjonas]

Thank you. Does eating before matter?

[EeyoreButterfly]

Not necessarily. If the results are abnormal they will want to do a fasting reading as that will tell part of the story. However, when I had my first appointment I had eaten three horus before and it was a high reading regardless of how long ago I had eaten.

[inspiredbyjonas]

Yeah, that's what my mom said...about the first part. I ate RIGHT before, because I started not feeling well, and my mom was like, "Uh, yeah, you're eating...NOW." And made me eat peanut butter and bread and some juice. I tried not eating (my lunch was at 10:35, and my appointment was at 4:30)and I guess it was too long.

I'm a little concerned about not getting a meter, but I guess I should ask (again) when I get my blood/urine results?

[inspiredbyjonas]

Okay! I got the results back!!

The nursed just called my mom and said that I had low potassium levels so I had to have more citrus food, potatoes, yogurt, bananas, and OJ.

I have to "do that" and come back in 2-3 weeks, and get more blood drawn for more testing.

I am a little skeptical that this is all...and I have no idea what to do!

[genie86333]

When you go back, I'd ask the doc's office for the exact results - A1C level, how low the potassium was, etc (and what could be the causes of that, etc.)

Did they test your BS level while you were at the office?

[inspiredbyjonas]

The doctor said she was testing everything. But when the nurse called she only said that.

I'm concerned because I was having the signs of diabetes (unquenchable thirst, frequent urination, weight loss/gain, hunger, fatigue...) and nothing showed up--well nothing that she said.

When I go back I have to get blood drawn again, should I still ask?

[lorilei]

low potassium often accompanies poor nutrition...potassium is very important for the health of your heart. take care of yourself and eat properly.

[EeyoreButterfly]

Believe me, if you had any blood work that suggested diabetes she would have said something. It sounds like Potassium is probably your problem. I know you are skeptical, but do what they say. If you are still having problems, they will be able to rule it out. If you go back in 2-3 weeks without doing she said, they won't be able to rule it out and you will have done yourself no favors.

[inspiredbyjonas]

I've always eaten properly, so I don't even understand why I've got this!

[inspiredbyjonas]

I know they would have, but maybe there WAS something wrong with my BS...And I am doing what they said.

[inspiredbyjonas]

My mom informed me that I have type 2.

[jensw61]

your mum? that should be the Doctor giving you that news.

So did raising your potassium levels help you to feel better?

[EeyoreButterfly]

I hadn't heard from you in awhile so I assumed everything was okay. CAn you give us some more information on what happened?

[inspiredbyjonas]

apparently, i've had type two since 2006 and no one told me. (which was NOT cool). i was recently hospitilized and they definitely confirmed it for me.

now that we have that settled, can someone please help me??

and you're welcome. thank you for everything, any suggestions? i just ordered my ID tag, i'm slowly on working on getting a meter (finally)...but very iffy about becoming insulin dependent.

[EeyoreButterfly]

How do you know you have had it from 06 and no one told you? Do you know for sure that they measured a higher than normal blood sugar and failed to disclose it?

What kind of help do you need? That is a broad question. Maybe if you could narrow it down a bit and tell us what you are looking for we could help you. Type 2 diabetics can go years without needing insulin, so I would not obsess over that aspect of right now. When it does happen, it's not the end the of the world. You may want to read the article on the American Diabetes Association website called "Vote Yea for Early Insulin." It might make you feel better.

[inspiredbyjonas]

apparently (again) i was low, very low, i passed out and threw up twice and i thought i was sick and i was diagnosed then.

well, i guess i have a few questions. i want to get a meter, but what exactly do i use it for? and, i can't afford one. lastly, when do i use it?

thank youuuu. :)

p.s. i loveeee twilight, have for a while. can't wait for new moon on 11/20!