Hypoglycemia

Sources: DIABETES AND HYPOGLYCEMIA Michael Murray N.D. SEVEN WEEKS TO SOBRIETY Joan Larson, Ph.D.

Bill Wilson consumed huge amounts of sugar and caffeine. Finally, by eliminating sugar and caffeine and making other dietary changes, he stabilized his blood sugar and achieved a sense of well-being. For years he had suffered from depression and other hypoglycemic symptoms. The vast majority of alcoholics are hypoglycemic. Like alcoholism, we wait to deal with reality until it almost kills us.

What is hypoglycemia? The body strives to maintain a constant level of glucose, a primary fuel for life, so that the brain will function normally. Hypoglycemia is what happens when the level of glucose is too low. Opposite of diabetes.

Hypoglycemia is an important complication of acute and chronic alcohol abuse. Hypoglycemia aggravates the mental and emotional symptoms of the alcoholic and the withdrawing alcoholic.

Dr. John Tintera, M.D. warns that until alcoholics severe fluctuations in blood sugar are stabilized they will be predisposed to depression and what only appear to be “deep rooted emotional or psychiatric disorders.” Tintera and other researchers who have documented the close connection between alcoholism and hypoglycemia consider psychoanalytic treatment “utterly unsuccessful since the deep-rooted emotional factor is, in reality, physiologically based.”

Hypoglycemia Questionnaire

No = 0 Mild = 1 Moderate = 2 Severe = 3

Crave sweets Irritable if a meal is missed Feel tired or weak if a meal is missed Dizziness when standing suddenly Frequent headaches Poor memory or concentration Feel tired an hour or so after eating Heart palpitations Feel shaky at times Afternoon fatigue Vision blurs on occasion Overweight Frequently anxious or nervous Total………………………….. 6 to 15 Hypoglycemia is a likely factor in your health.

Over 15 Hypoglycemia is extremely likely a factor in your health.

In simple terms here is what happens most often. A person eats an “All American Meal” of animal products, sugar, fat and very little fiber. This causes a rapid increase in blood sugar. The body notes the imbalance and secrets insulin by the pancreas. This excessive secretion drives sugar levels down to the point of causing hypoglycemia. The culprit is the diet.

Symptoms: ​ ​ Prompt Treatment: Hunger 3 or 4 glucose tablets Shakiness l serving of glucose equal to 15 grams of carbs Nervousness 1⁄2 cup, or 4 ounces, of any fruit juice Sweating 1⁄2 cup or 8 ounces of milk Dizziness or lightheadedness 5 or 6 pieces of hard candy Sleepiness 1 tablespoon of sugar or honey Confusion Why sugar to correct a problem caused by Difficulty speaking sugar? Because the body has overreacted Anxiety to the problem. Weakness Headache and depression

Practice these habits: Eat small meals and snacks about every 3 hours Exercise Eat a variety of foods including meat, poultry, fish, eggs and other sources of protein. Grain bread, rice, potatoes, fruits, vegetables, and dairy products. Eat; foods high in fiber.

To verify that your blood sugar level is out of the normal range, it is very simple to take a blood test for sugar level. There are many devices that accomplish this and they are frequently available free of charge from Walgreen’s or CVS Pharmacies. (Purchase them for about $20.00 and send off for 100% refund.)

When a problem is suspected, take the blood sugar level and note it as well as what has been going on in the previous 24 hours. Diet, exercise, and rest are important contributors to the solution as well as the cause.

Consider a person who has experienced a lifestyle of excessive, compulsive behavior. Not eating anything all day they order a huge meal. Following the meal a big desert is ordered. The body goes nuts and the insulin supply is poured into the system. Hypoglycemia follows and that causes hunger, which results in another overeating episode. The body goes nuts again. This cycle can go on and on. Diet, exercise and proper rest are foreign to excessive, compulsive people.

Dealing with hypoglycemia is simple, but not easy. It requires discipline and that is not a common characteristic of alcoholics. The materials are available at any library or bookstore. The testing equipment is offered free. The missing ingredient is commitment. Willingness to go to any length.