I've been diagnosed hypoglycemic. In fact every time my blood sugar is taken from the dr. it is in the 30's.

My dr. told me it's a prediabetic condition and that I needed to eliminate sugar and eat small meals every 3 hours. I have made the changes for the most part. However, when I drink alcoholic beverages the next day my blood sugar FEELS dangerously low.

I wasn't sure what this was and ended up going the hospital twice after a night of drinkling because of this feeling. It was not just a hang over because I didn't drink that heavily. My skin gets hot and red and I feel shaky, warm and nausious. I have heart palpatations that are iratic.

The few times that I was tested at the dr. I felt fine (30's). Does that mean that after I drink my blood sugar drops even lower than that if I am actually that miserable? It feels like I am going to have a heart attack or something.

This all started happening within the last three years. I foud out about my sugar two years ago but didn't really put two and two together. Now I feel that my sugar level has alot to do with my intolerance to alcohol.

Does anyone know where I can get more answers on how to maintain a healthy blood sugar level and if alcohol can contribute to lowering blood sugar to dangerous levels?

Thanks

I've been diagnosed hypoglycemic. In fact every time my blood sugar is taken from the dr. it is in the 30's.

My dr. told me it's a prediabetic condition and that I needed to eliminate sugar and eat small meals every 3 hours. I have made the changes for the most part. However, when I drink alcoholic beverages the next day my blood sugar FEELS dangerously low.

I wasn't sure what this was and ended up going the hospital twice after a night of drinkling because of this feeling. It was not just a hang over because I didn't drink that heavily. My skin gets hot and red and I feel shaky, warm and nausious. I have heart palpatations that are iratic.

The few times that I was tested at the dr. I felt fine (30's). Does that mean that after I drink my blood sugar drops even lower than that if I am actually that miserable? It feels like I am going to have a heart attack or something.

This all started happening within the last three years. I foud out about my sugar two years ago but didn't really put two and two together. Now I feel that my sugar level has alot to do with my intolerance to alcohol.

Does anyone know where I can get more answers on how to maintain a healthy blood sugar level and if alcohol can contribute to lowering blood sugar to dangerous levels?

Thanks

Hypoglycemia can lead to diabetes later in life, but it is not a guarantee. From the sound of it, you are spending enough time too low (below 70) that you are getting used to it (I'm assuming you were fairly functional at the doctor's office when they got the reading of 30). You need to try to eat stably, with lots of fibre and some protein or fat with your carbs.

The thing that is common to hypoglycemics and diabetics is how our bodies react to alcohol. In the short term, alcohol can lower blood sugar. It doesn't happen to everyone, but it appears to happen to you. If you are going to keep drinking, you will need to make sure that you eat properly at the same time, and make sure that you test regularly as well so that you know how long the effect of the alcohol lasts.

Hope this helps a bit.

Cora

(I wonder if Cora is in the med field?? She is so very spot on...)

JKitty,

I only mention this to reinforce Cora's message and to add a little.

First off, remember with your health, no one will care more about
you then you. With that I recommend testing your blood sugar levels
a LOT initially until you understand your body, and the changes that
you are going through. You can chart this, trust me, it will illuminate
things for you and your health team.

Now with that said, back to Cora's message:

The number one thing you can do is STOP drinking. I realize that may
prove very difficult. So as Cora mentioned - EAT WELL which is to say
make certain that you are getting good nutrition in you REGULARLY - say
something to eat at minimum every 4-5 hours. People who drink too much
tend to forgo good eating habits.

Next, make sure you are getting plenty of rest! That is so very important.

There is a couple of things I would recommend you ask your doctor to do
a blood test specifically for:

Tryglycerides
Ammonia
Iron
B Levels
Liver panel

Hope your feel much better!

~ Mark