Low Sugar Symptoms When Sugar is Normal

Posted by fpc3 @fpc3, 4 days ago

I know what low sugar readings do to me -- shakes, sweats, shortness of breath, tiredness. My CGM alerts me to readings below 70 and I monitor what is happening and usually do not eat anything until the reading drops to the low 60s. I know from experience that if I get up and walk around or do something, the glucose level will rise above 70. At 60 or below, I know I need food. A few crackers and some water usually bring low readings back up.

Lately, I have been having similar symptoms, which I call flares, when the glucose level is above 70 and sometimes as high as 90. I get immediate sweats, immediate shortness of breath (for full disclosure, I am asthmatic and can get shortness of breath at other times), and I get very tired. These flares happen as many as four times a day and have been going on for several days. My energy level stays low for several hours after one or more of these flares.

I have researched these symptoms and they are common in many diseases. Some suggestions were cardiac issues (my Kardia mobile says everything is fine), menopause or hot flashes (I am male), or diabetic issues (sugar is over 70 in all cases) as being the most common causes.

Anyone else experiencing these issues? For full disclosure, I am 72, have been diagnosed with diabetes for more than 30 years, am on short and long acting insulin and a couple of diabetic pills. I am a military retiree with unknown exposure to many things. I was certainly in the Gulf area during the 1990s and was probably exposed to nuclear radiation at other times. I have also been exposed to asbestos.

Thanks

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shmerdloff | @shmerdloff | 3 days ago

I have had the same symptoms for years now , varying without explanation. I am in 70s, pre -diabetic 100-117. No meds. Not exposed to anything except residential pesticides and weed killers. Went to ER a couple of times. Got full workup - nothing except expensive$$$. So now I take it easy until it goes away.🤷

broach188 | @broach188 | 3 days ago

Same thing happens to me and I am like shmerdloff I rest until it passes

Cheryl, Volunteer Mentor | @cehunt57 | 3 days ago

Welcome to @shmerdloff and @broach188 . @fpc3 poses an interesting discussion regarding experiencing low blood sugar symptoms when testing shows that blood sugar is “normal”. After 50ish years of insulin dependent diabetes I can relate. Sometimes this can happen because you are “normal” hungry, thirsty or tired and just need a snack, something to drink or a little break to rest. Unfortunately, sometimes it is blood sugar trending down and the testing hasn’t gotten the memo yet but your symptoms already know. I like to err on the side of caution. I was taught to test, consume about 15 grams of carbohydrate, wait 15 minutes and repeat. I like to use 1/2 - 1 cup of fruit juice (depending on the nutrition label). It is quickly absorbed and the small amount won’t completely spike your blood sugar if the incident turns out to be a false alarm. The waiting 15 minutes can be hard, but think of it as the useful resting part. This technique can also help prevent the possibility of overtreating a low. I’ve been there too, in a panic eating &/or drinking everything in sight. That can lead to a wretched ping pong or roller coaster experience and you don’t want to go there. It can be a cycle that is hard to break free from. Last but not least, discuss these episodes with your provider at your next follow up. It might be as simple as a medication dose, testing, diet …. Adjustment. Sounds “simple” right?

shmerdloff | @shmerdloff | 2 days ago

@fpc3 you nailed it. Especially the frantic eating part.👍

fpc3 | @fpc3 | 2 days ago

In reply to @cehunt57 "Welcome to @shmerdloff and @broach188 . @fpc3 poses an interesting discussion regarding experiencing low blood sugar..." + (show)

Thank you, Cheryl. Your points make a lot of sense. I’ll keep them in mind. These episodes are very annoying because there is absolutely no pattern to them and they so closely mimic a sugar low.

celia16 | @celia16 | 1 day ago

When I have odd, unusual feelings and my cgm says BG normal, I do finger stick to confirm. Then I take my blood pressure. I have a reliable one at home. If that is normal, I attribute it to anxiety. Anxiety can cause hyper feeling, sweaty, etc. I try to figure out what is causing a fight or flight response in me. I have a lot of personal issues right now. I then work on techniques to bring it down.

jil71 | @jil71 | 1 day ago

I am a female of 71 and have type 2 for over 30 years. Finally, have it under control but also experience low readings from time to time. No sweats, but a little shakiness. I just eat something or drink something nonalcoholic. My fatigue was decreased by taking B vitamins, separately (instead of B complex) as recommended by my endocrinologist.