Update on blood sugar problems

Sue777 · Post by **Sue777** » Sun Aug 21, 2005 2:01 pm

Thanks, Geri, for prompting me to post an update on my hypoglycemia/lower-carbs situation.

I feel an unbelievable world of difference eating less sweets and carbs - to the point where I have NO DOUBT that something about my system doesn't do well on a high carb/low-fat diet.

I'm no longer starving all the time, I don't feel faint or shaky, and my energy level and mood has improved incredibly. Hubby asked me yesterday, out of the blue, if I had had a lot of protein and little carb so far today (yesterday) and I answered "yes". I asked why he asked and he said "cause I can really see the difference. You are "alive" again.

I can't say it's easy doing this... I really want my chocolate and I want cookies and junk food! I went to a home demonstration last night (like a Tupperware party, but diferent items) and the hostess had out magic cookie bars, cookies, cakes, and desserts to die for. It really made me sad because in the past that would have really brightened up my night... a fresh cup of coffee and a yummy dessert, but instead I had to comfort myself with remembering that I liked feeling good. It still is sad, though, that we can't eat whatever we want and STILL feel good, too, but I guess we could have something worse, so I try not to feel sorry for myself too often.

I'm also reminding myself that once I've been eating low-carb for a while, I probably CAN have the occasional dessert or treat without feeling lousy, as long as I have protein in my system, too. And what the heck, some day when I know I can afford to be a couch potato on a weekend, I'll pig out on a Friday night and spend the weekend recovering. Never say never.... there will still be sweets in my life.

The really frustrating predicament is this Splenda/CC connection I think I'm feeling. It's like "ok, I have a blood sugar imbalance so I have to eat a special way, but I also have a colitis problem that won't let me eat that special way." Foiled again.

I'm thinking since Sweet "n Low never bothers me I'll keep using that in my coffee, and if that new product (all natural sweetner) turns out to be ok with my system, I'll use that for making my low-carb treats. I may feel sorry for myself once in a while, but I never stop looking for a solution.

Sue

starfire · Post by **starfire** » Sun Aug 21, 2005 6:56 pm

Sue,
I'm really glad you are feeling better and I applaud you for your wonderful efforts to improve your health and lifestyle. I know it isn't easy.

I would find it next to impossible to give up all "sweets" myself, so I know how you are feeling. I hope that natural sweetener works for you, and tastes good too!!

I have always found that artificial sweetners leave me with an aftertaste that I just don't like and even Splenda doesn't taste quite right to me, although it's the best one I have tried. I hope the natural one does the trick.

Don't forget to keep us updated - OK.

:bigbighug:

Shirley

Geri · Post by **Geri** » Sun Aug 21, 2005 10:04 pm

Sue,

Good work! Sounds like you are really doing good.

Giving up sugar is one of the hardest things I have done. Sugar is very addictive. It will get easier as you go along, and get the junk out of your system. I have been off all sugar...except for small amts of low-sugar fruits..for about a year now, and I really don't want it anymore. I would never think of eating a candy bar, or a high sugar food.

You are right that we have a double whammy to deal with...low blood sugar, and colitis. I don't remember if you are gf, but I am, and it gets even more complicated. Diabetics need a certain amt. of carbs. I have given up all grains, and get mine from low-carb vegetables and fruits, nuts etc.

I remember you saying that you were having hot flushes. I have been doing some research on perimenopausal..menopausal symptoms, and estrogen dominance. Have you heard of this? It seems as we get older and near menopause, our levels of progesterone drop to near nothing, with symptoms of low blood sugar, sleeplessness, mood swings, agitation, hot flashes, high blood pressure..and on and on. We need a balance of estrogen and progesterone, and if progesterone is low, it can throw our entire systems out of whack.

I wonder if my low blood sugar problems were not a result of a hormone problem. I have been using a topical Progesterone cream, and I feel like a new person. The flushes and night sweats have dissappeared, I am not anxious and agitated anymore, and I am sleeping very well. My blood sugar problem seems to be gone completely, and I am able to go several hours without eating....course, I have been off sugar for a long time.

I don't know your age, or even if this applies to you, just thought I'd mention it. I would love to hear from anyone else who uses this cream, and their experiences with it. It seems to be safe..can't find a whole lot of bad stuff on it..even if I did, I would keep using it....LOL. I was a mess a few weeks ago, with hot flashes and night sweats so bad that I couldn't leave my house.

I'm glad you are feeling better. You will feel better and better each day you are off sugar, and soon, your blood sugar problmes will be a distant memory.

Keep up the good work,

Love,

Geri....Cool, Calm, and Collected...LOL

Sue777 · Post by **Sue777** » Sun Aug 21, 2005 10:53 pm

Hi, Geri!
Great to hear that you're feeling better too!!!!

I honestly can'[t picture myself ever "not wanting" a chocolate bar or a gooey chocolate cake, but who knows - stranger things have happened. But I honestly think even if I keep controlling my carbs, I will be eating the occasional candy and sweet..... especially if my body lets me. I'll just take it one day at a time and listen to my body, since our bodies usually tell us loud and clear what they like and don't like!

Yes, I am 48 and in the throws of peri-menopause and my hormones are in total upheaval. I had asked the doc if that had anything to do with why now, all of a sudden, I am so sensitive to sugars and carbs, and he said "oh heck yeah! All bets are off when you're going through menopause - it affects EVERYTHING!" I asked if that meant that in a few years my blood sugar levels might be more stable without a restrictive diet, and he said very possibly.

So..... we do what we have to do to get by, and even if we cheat once in a while, we do it knowing what it will cost us.

I'm so glad you're feeling better. We really do deserve to catch a break every once in a while. And no, I'm not sensitive to gluten. YET!
Sue

Polly · Post by **Polly** » Mon Aug 22, 2005 6:31 am

Way to go, Geri and Sue!

It is SO hard to cut down on sugar, but I have to admit that I am feeling so much better, too, in the past 2 weeks since I have really been paying attention to it. As you know, I have multiple intolerances......so I had been focusing on them and not really paying a lot of attention to sugar, since it didn't seem to bother me much.....and also since it was one of the few things I could enjoy! LOL! I feel great after cutting out the sugar in tea, maple sugar candy, fruit juices, etc. I have more energy and feel so "mellow" now. Sleeping better too. The most sugar I eat now is a Medjool date. It is sweet and chewy and very satisfying. (Sue, I do eat the dates along with nuts in order to get protein at the same time).

Geri, I am counting on your observation that eventually I will no longer crave any sugar!

But I think it will happen, because I no longer have any craving whatsoever for bread or dairy. Well.......maybe still an occasional thought of that grilled cheese sandwich crosses my mind, but much less than previously. LOL!

Keep up the good work, you two.

Love,

Polly

Geri · Post by **Geri** » Mon Aug 22, 2005 10:22 am

Hi, Polly and Sue.

Polly, I am so glad that you are having a good experience with cutting down on sugar...and by the way, I never had that "mellow" feeling off gluten, it was only after I gave up sugar. I think we are on the right track.

Sue, you don't think you will ever be able to pass up the goodies, but you will. There will come a time that you won't even want it, and will be satisfied with the natural sweetness of good fruits and veggies...Like Polly enjoying her dates.

Good on you, Guys!

Hugs,

Geri

Sue777 · Post by **Sue777** » Mon Aug 22, 2005 12:29 pm

Well, Geri.... I certainly hope you're right about me someday not even wanting to eat a piece of gooey chocolate cake, but right now it's hard for me to believe. I mean, it's been 3 years and 4 months (who's counting?!) since I had a cigarette, and I still want one of those!!!! I have a pretty addictive personality, so I think that coupled with my stubborn streak never lets me forget the pleasures I'm depriving myself of. OK, so I used "depriving" badly, because when it comes to giving up cigarettes and sugar, it's a BONUS to my body, NOT a deprivation. But.... you know what I meant.

starfire · Post by **starfire** » Mon Aug 22, 2005 4:30 pm

I certainly know what you meant, Sue!!

It's only been a year and 7 months for me (cigarettes). I actually can't believe that I have lasted so long. Trouble is, I've felt worse since I quit than I did before!! Definitely gone downhill. I don't want to start smoking again though because I know it wouldn't make the other stuff go away now.

Good Luck with all the things you are trying to delete. I believe you can do it - after all - you DID quit smoking!! Major accomplishment!!

Shirley

Sue777 · Post by **Sue777** » Mon Aug 22, 2005 6:54 pm

Congratulations, Shirley! Over a year and a half with no cigarettes, I think you've made it over the hump! Even though I still want one, the cravings are not nearly as powerful as they used to be, so it really DOES get easier to stay away from them.

But, like you, I've told many people..... my health went to sh*t ever since I quit smoking! I felt fine and was fine while I smoked.... it's when I quit that everything started rearing it's ugly head.

But you're right, starting cigarettes again will not make the illness go away, and besides that, it's so darned expensive. Plus, it's hard to find a place where smoking is allowed anymore, so we're better off without them.

(yes, I'm trying to convince myself along with you - sure hope it's working better on you!)
Sue

starfire · Post by **starfire** » Mon Aug 22, 2005 7:33 pm

I do believe all that, Sue, I really do - but sometimes.......

Shirley

Lucy · Post by **Lucy** » Mon Aug 22, 2005 11:32 pm

Just had an idea as I was reading all of these posts. Do we have a list of the not-so-sugary fruits that can be "pinned" in a prominent place for things like that in the dietary area of the board? Know I saw that information listed someplace, but where...can't tell ya.

Think that dates and plumbs aren't on the good fruits list, at least KNOW that dates AREN'T, but not to worry, Polly!

Don't think what I've been eating for an occasional snack dessert is "legal" either as have been eating an occasional black plum, and just yesterday, we ate the most delicious oranges. These were in a stack that said either they were from Australia or S. Africa.
These were about as good as ones from the Tx Valley, and those are my favorites.

Heirloom tomatoes must be made out of gold, but they ARE delicious, aren't they?!
I only bring home one of each of these things when shopping at Whole Foods, and don't shop often, sooo... Figure we eat so little that we're actually saving money.

Wow, sleep falls upon me, so better get to bed quick.
Yours, Luce