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Seeing dr about possible hypoglycemia ?

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Hi, I am trying to figure out what is wrong with me and am wondering if I have hypoglycemia? I do not see my family doctor for another 2 months and would like some help before then. Also, what do I say to my doctor to get her to seriously look into this? In the past when I have asked about blood sugar and diabetes she has not taken me seriously. Thank you.


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replied August 23rd, 2010
Hypoglycemia Answer A15571
Hi, welcome to the ehealth forum and I am glad to help you.
You seem concerned by the possible diagnosis of hypoglycemia. But it is not possible to suggest anything without you narrating your symptoms
A traditional method for investigating suspected hypoglycemia is the oral glucose tolerance test, especially when prolonged to 3, 4, or 5 hours. Although quite popular previously, repeated research studies have demonstrated that many healthy people will have glucose levels as low as 43mg/dl during a prolonged test, and that many types of significant hypoglycemia may go undetected with it. This combination of poor sensitivity and specificity has resulted in its abandonment for this purpose by physicians experienced in disorders of glucose metabolism. Most doctors nowadays agree that Whipple's triad is more appropriate for the diagnosis of hypoglycemia.
There are many causes of hypoglycemia-most common being that associated with diabetes treatment. Other causes include drugs like insulin, ethanol, sulfonyl ureas, quinine etc, deficiency of cortisol or growth hormone, insulinomas and non beta cell tumors. Reactive hypoglycemia with demonstrably low blood glucose levels is most often a predictable nuisance which can be avoided by consuming fat and protein with carbohydrates, by adding morning or afternoon snacks, and reducing alcohol intake.
Hope this helps. Take care.
Note: This post is not to emphasise final diagnosis as the same cannot be made online and is aimed just to provide medical information and no treatment suggested above be taken without face to face consultation with health care professional.



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