low sugars - have AIH, PBC, Portal vein

[daisy11]

Does anyone know of this? as been feeling quite strange and measured my sugars and they are low - 2, quickly give myself mars bars, glucose tabs then slowly recover.

[jenniwren]

That's unusual- I have AIH and have high sugar apparently prednisolone can cause diabetes if the diet is not well balanced. I have always tried to eat healthily knowing that I will be on a high maintenance dose of pred for a long time so getting a high result can be a worry. Really not sure about a low blood sugar result though- definitely check this out with your GP asap. If you can't get an appointment quickly, make sure the receptionists knows you hae a compromised immune system and low blood sugar and try and get book a phone call appointment from a GP at least. The GP will then probably ask for you to be fitted in for an appointment. Good luck and I hope you feel better soon

Jenni xx

[Singsing]

Hi Daisy11,

I too have PBC and low blood sugar; I have been given a monitor to check my blood sugar levels regulaly; my liver consultant seems to think it could be a sudo hypo attack caused by my liver! I see him again in March to discuss the results.

[Bolly]

Hi daisy. Are you diabetic that you are able to monitor your own blood sugars? If so, does your diabetic medical team liaise at all with the team looking after your AIH to advise you what to do to keep your blood sugars at a safe level?

[daisy11]

Hi - no don't have diabetes, measured when having funny turn it was 2, have to go back in a couple of weeks and he will check the monitor, he did not say anything apart from measuring, mind you with all the things I have got, I dread to say what I am suffering from!!!

[TheBigF]

I'm still waiting to see liver consultant, long story, but discovered around 10 months ago I was having major hypo's most days. I have no diabetes diagnosis, nor do I want one, but I bought a BM monitor and make sure I check levels before I drive etc..

I was took into casualty a few weeks ago throwing up blood, and they had to give me IV glucose as my BM was down to 1.2 mmol - and yes, I was still conscious..

It won't hurt being checked out by GP, but before asking if it's your diagnosis which causes it, have you any appetite, do you eat regularly? I can't eat, I have no appetite, and don't like sweet or sugary drinks, so my low BM is probably my own fault, rather than my compromised liver. Just be safe though - if you drive, like me, check your sugar at least 30 mins before you set off to make sure you'll be OK. Also, after taking glucose to boost BM level, it's suggested you have some crackers or a sandwich to introduce carbs to help keep the level up. Sadly I just keep dissolving the glucose tablets, I don't eat bread or stuff like that..

F x

[Bolly]

Assume the doc did a random blood test then, as to do a 'fasting' test which is more accurate obviously you would have had to have known in advance about the fasting!

It seems that if you have these symptoms of hypoglycaemia:

1. Blood glucose level below 2.5mmol/l.

2. The symptoms go away within 10 minutes of eating sugar.

3. Feeling weak or trembly or pale

then you need to do what the doc is doing, which is monitoring the levels and if things are still the same when you go back, the doc should refer you to a hospital for investigation.

The most common cause of what sounds like your type - 'reactive' - is over production of insulin (which is from the pancreas), so a referral to a gastroenterologist sounds sensible.

Are you not already seeing one for the AIH and PBC?

[daisy11]

yes - see Hepatologist. thank you 2 weeks time

[angelatonew]

Best not to use abbreviations as they often can mean more than one thing! Ask your Koctor to explain in laymans terms, Get some proper nutritional advice as Mars bars etc are only re lieving the symptoms short term. I wish you well. AT