I've had two blood tests done over the last two months and both showed low glucose. The first one was at 60 but I had only had Starbucks that morning. Granted it was sweet so I would have thought that would have helped bring it up but I assume since nothing was on my stomach that could cause a low reading? The second test I had a dry bowel of Frosted Flakes (no milk) like 1-2 hours before the test and it still came back at 50. These tests were done so I could get life insurance and since I don't have medical insurance I can't really afford to go to the doctor right now. I do know that if I go w/o eating longer than what my body wants I get shaky and really light headed almost to the point where I feel like I'm going to pass out if I don't get something quick. Does this automatically mean I'm diabetic or could you just have low sugar w/o diabetes? And is 50 and 60 really that low since I had something to eat/drink before the test or should I not worry about it?

i would be checked out. if i go below 75 i have the shakes and am dizzy, sweating. have diabetes. doesn't mean you do. you really should eat before you get to that point. 50-60 is low. dr. told me it's not dangerous unless you start going under 65.

i would be checked out. if i go below 75 i have the shakes and am dizzy, sweating. have diabetes. doesn't mean you do. you really should eat before you get to that point. 50-60 is low. dr. told me it's not dangerous unless you start going under 65.

Thanks but going to the doctor right now just isn't an option. The funny thing is that when he did the test, I felt fine. Makes me wonder what my level is when I do get all shaky and lightheaded.

As I mentioned in my response to your post on the High Cholesterol board, sounds like you have Hypoglycemia. It is a precuror to type2 diabetes and is the result of deteriorating phase one insulin response. Which means that, after consuming carbs, the rise in your blood glucose causes your beta cells to produce too much insulin. The result is that your BG drops very low several hours after the carbo load. This what makes you feel light headed.

The easiest way to verify this is to get a home blood glucose tester (they are quite cheap) and test your blood sugar when you feel light headed. You may also be able to avoid the hypo episodes by cuttingback your consumption of carbs. It will reduce the amount of insulin your beta cells produce.

A low-carb diet will also minimise your chances of developing type 2 diabetes. An insulin level test would reveal how far down the track you are with this. And, contrary to popular belief, a low-carb diet will improve your lipid profile (HDL goes up and triglycerides come down).

Cheers,

Mark ;)

Not only should you cut back on carbs, but you probably should never eat carbs without also eating some protein. The protein will give your blood sugar something to work on after the carbs are gone, as it takes much longer for protein to get converted by insulin into glucose.

Ruth

that's exactleywhat i have been told by a dietician. you have to eat some (good) carbs throughout the day but alwyas include protein with them. also watch which carbs you choose.