I had my oesophagectomy 7 years ago, but I am now experiencing very low blood sugar levels in the evening. Can anyone suggest a reason?

[golpharm]

[Hidden]

If you have trouble with 'dumping syndrome' for a long period, the effects of the insulin spikes can cause trouble with your sugar:insulin balance and create a condition similar to diabetes. It sounds as if you are monitoring your blood:sugar levels and that sounds a prudent thing to do.

It is generally good advice not to eat too late in the evening, and this may have some effect.

I would be inclined to seek the advice of a specialist dietician, and ring the helpline 0121 704 9860.

[golpharm]

Thanks Alan. I have already telephoned the number and I am awaiting a call back.

[speakman]

Dear Both,

I had never associated dumping with low blood sugar levels and when I saw your emails earlier today, I noted what had been said but thought no further about the matter. I am 2.75 years post-op and occasionally suffer from dumping, usually without any significant symptoms, though always with some degree of light-headedness and a feeling of being thirsty. Today, after a delay of some 2.5 hours after eating, I experienced both of those symptom and my wife, who is Type1 diabetic, suggested that I do a blood test. I duly did so - my blood sugar level was at 4.1, which my wife told me was very low and which in the case of diabetics is close to the point at which they may experience a "hypo" event (which may lead to loss of consciousness). I had a sip of Lucozade and within 20 minutes, I measured my blood sugar level at 6.1 which I am told is normal.

Is it known whether, in the case of non-diabetics, a low enough blood sugar reading can lead to a "hypo?" My wife is rather of the view that it would not - that our livers would quickly correct the problem but what if she is wrong? If you, Alan are able to help, I shall be pleased to hear. Failing that, I shall raise the issue with my team.

Best wishes,

Speakman.

[golpharm in reply to speakman]

Hi Speakman

My blood sugar levels reached down to 1.2 some weeks ago and the paramedics were called to administer medication as I had lost consciousness. I recently had a reading of 2.5 and I am now prepared having a supply of dextrose tablets with a back up of Glucogel should that become necessary.

[speakman in reply to golpharm]

Hello again, Golpharm,

The steps you have taken are precisely the same as my wife takes in relation to her Type 1 diabetes, though she drinks Lucozade rather than taking dextrose.

Can I suggest that you try to lay your hands on the OPA newsletter for autumn 2012 - issue 19. It carries three articles which are in point. One is by Larry Rees "Can we eat now please?" on page 4, the next is on page 5 "Dumping Syndrome" and the last is on page 6, "The Glycaemic Index." I found them helpful.

Best wishes,

Speakman.

[gutlesswonder in reply to speakman]

Hi Speakman

There is some useful info in this post :

tps://healthunlocked.com/oesophagus/questions/130179102/hypo-like-symptoms-after-my-oesophagectomy-partial-gastrectomy

[speakman in reply to gutlesswonder]

Many thanks, gutlesswonder. I shall do as you suggest.

Regards,

Speakman.

[Hidden in reply to speakman]

The answer is that 'dumping syndrome' can lead to the insulin spikes that create the imbalance, and it is, for all intents and purposes very similar to a diabetic attack. It does not affect everyone, but some people have passed out, so extreme readings are possible.

[zookeeper]

Hi,

I have experienced this for my last 2years but I know it as re active hypoglycaemia and I am post op 8years I kept passing out and had my vehicle revoked for 18 months ,so I recomend you look at this.

Good luck

[zookeeper]

Hi

I have just seen your post and must reply.I am 8 years post op now and have been through a problematic time.I kept passing out for about 5 seconds, after 18 months with no car and lots of neurological tests it was finally diagnosed as reactive hypoglycaemia.

I found my blood sugar was so low that I would feint .I now take my blood sugar to determind how low it is. Obviously not everyone is the same but look it up.

Regards

Zookeeper