Low Blood Sugar

[orangecity41]

Can anyone share their experience with low blood sugar and CKD.

[Bet117 NKF Ambassador]

My husband and I are the only family to my single 65 year old brother. Being an insulin diabetic for decades, now, due to varied medications to treat another rare and serious medical condition, he has been experiencing more hypoglycemic episodes than he would care to count.

He doesn't have CKD but he and his doctors watch his kidney function carefully.

My brother tries to balance his intake of protein and carbs at meals. He snacks on fruits, low sodium corn chips and minimal dairy. He drinks water, non- sugar flavored seltzer and teas.

He carries glucose tablets that he buys at Wal-Mart if he feels a low sugar attack coming on.

Bear in mind that every person is different and their bodies react differently.

My thoughts, it might be worth your while to get a referral to a Dietician who can tweak your present food plan and make suggestions as how to keep your glucose level as even as possible while still keeping your kidneys as healthy.

Know the signs and symptoms and positively go forward.

We do this every day with my brother.

It can be managed, it just takes time and awareness.

We are happy to stand by you.

B..

[orangecity41 NKF Ambassador in reply to Bet117]

Thanks for info. I will check on the sugar tablets with my Doctor if feeling need. Also check for dietitian referral.

[Bassetmommer NKF Ambassador]

Hi you, Low blood sugar often means your doctor needs to tweak your insulin. My husband and I both went on Ozempic. His A1c is now at 5.9 after riding closer to 7 or over for years. He has a Freestyle Libre 2 detector on his arm that gives him an alarm when his sugar is too low. Then he eats something or has a sugar tablet. We are both losing weight and so his doctor adjust his insulins to lower levels and that has helped.

I was using 42 units at one point of insulin before but since Ozempic, (I am on the lowest dose possible) my A1c has now been at 5 for over two years. I am weaning off insulin completely.

[orangecity41 NKF Ambassador in reply to Bassetmommer]

Thanks for info Have DR appointment so will bring it up as blood work has shown blood sugar low but not out of range. My eye Doctor thinks am Diabetic.

[Bassetmommer NKF Ambassador in reply to orangecity41]

oh you are not? So from one test they think you are hypoglycemic? The question is, do feel your sugars are low. It is a distinct feeling, You get dizzy and weak, and I get nasty... Joe sometimes breaks out in a sweat or he feels shaky. Don't let them call you diabetic until they do a lot more tests.

[Bet117 NKF Ambassador in reply to Bassetmommer]

Agreed about the tests. My brother has a full battery of tests including A1C and glucose done every three months.

He's been diabetic since his 30's which was identified via an eye exam.

My brother has sweats, shaky and can feel it dropping.

In his case, stress also adds to this happening.

Have your doctor confirm the diagnosis.

We are here for you.

[Bassetmommer NKF Ambassador in reply to Bet117]

Good to "see" you Bet

[Bet117 NKF Ambassador in reply to Bassetmommer]

You are so sweet for taking the time to tell me . Actually I'm often incognito but keeping up with the news.

I'll make myself more openly known from now on.

Take Care of yourself...

Speak soon!

B...

[orangecity41 NKF Ambassador in reply to Bet117]

I forgot to mention that due to travel had not taken my prescribed cinnamon pills for 2 days. Perhaps that caused problem? I am back on schedule and no issues.

[TylerPeyton in reply to orangecity41]

sounds like an excellent candidate for continuous glucose monitor. Hypoglycemia can kill you! CGM can save your life. God Bless

[Darlenia]

It's rare for nondiabetics to have hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). However, some medications (heart, antibiotics, etc.) can produce it in those individuals. Also digestion absorption issues, liver issues, etc. I'd have your doctor check around a bit and see what's happening.

My intent on hopping on here is to caution you about going anywhere without checking your glucose levels. My hubby literally passed out from low sugar behind the wheel, all alone, while driving down a major parkway. He had no advance warning; e.g. dizziness, weakness, etc. His car, a late model with basic radar, came to hard brake stop, threw up the hazards and saved him from crashing. He woke up in an ambulance. It's really, really serious when you pass out. I urge everyone looking for a new car to consider the newer model vehicles if you have health issues. They all have basic radar. They're worth it. So, Orangecity41, please make sure to test yourself as you go about your day. I don't know if you qualify for a Dexcom or a Libre, but there are the usual finger sticks. My husband used both the Dexcom and Libre; the Dexcom is easier to apply.

[orangecity41 NKF Ambassador in reply to Darlenia]

I will check into it, especially the Dexcom or a Libre.

Years ago had history of low blood sugar. Will see what caused it.

[Pkd1958]

As Kidney function deteriorates the insulin stays in your body longer and the need for added insulin is reduced, as my first transplant was failing I thought that my diabetes was going away because I needed only about 20% of what I was taking previously but after my second transplant I was right back where it was previously

The kidney is the major site of insulin clearance from the systemic circulation (42), removing approximately 50% of peripheral insulin. In addition, the kidney removes 50% of circulating proinsulin and 70% of c-peptide by glomerular filtration (43). Insulin analogs are also cleared by kidney (44).