I’ve dealt with hypoglycemia since I was a teen…diabetes runs in my family, though I am not diabetic and don’t have high readings (yet). I’ve basically been diagnosed as having both reactive and fasting hypoglycemia. They don’t really know why…except that I have some inflammatory GI issues and dumping, and my hypos do seem to be worse when I am having more GI flares. I did a 72 hr fast to test for an insulinoma…I did drop below the required number at 60 hours, but didn’t meet the criteria for an insulinoma, so they couldn’t really explain why I dropped either.
I have a CGM…but had to stop using it as the adhesive was giving me major issues. And it was just making me crazy when it alerted multiple times a day.
You may get symptoms if you drop really quickly…which can be common with a reactive hypo. Even if you didn’t go super high, you might drop faster than your body can correct for. That will cause those same symptoms. I typically drop to low 60s a few times a day…if I am not paying attention or my GI is being extra annoying, I will drop into the 40s. Usually I am aware (definitely with the really low drops)…but I am not always aware with the drops to the 60s.
It’s a lot of trial and error to see what foods set you off. As in my case it’s not the food as much as it’s how my GI absorbs (or not) and how fast food moves through my GI system. Protein and higher fats help me be more stable, but I need some carbs to keep it balanced (oddly enough, ice cream will stabilize me faster than anything, which make almost no sense!). I’ve actually had major drops while I was in the middle of eating a full meal, so sometimes it can be really hard to find the triggers. I carry glucose tabs and am know as the person who always has snacks when traveling with friends. Trail mix is a good option to keep around as the candy/dried fruit part can get you back up quick but the nuts will stabilize you (otherwise you start the roller coaster ride).
