Posted by jemma on April 30, 2003, at 10:18:30
In reply to Thanks to you all, posted by KellyD on April 29, 2003, at 20:57:50
I posted this yesterday, but it seems to have disappeared. You could be experiencing insulin spikes after eating high-carb meals. An insulin spike causes transient symptoms similar to low blood sugar - the symptoms are irritability, mood swings, light-headedness, and often hunger, even though you've just eaten. It's exacerbated when your blood sugar is already low from fasting when you eat your high-carb meal. It's called hyperinsulinism, and it won't show up on a blood-glucose test or on a fasting blood-insulin test. You need a non-fasting insulin test, preferably within an hour of consuming a meal. It's surprisingly common, and often an early sign of more serious glucose regulation problems to come. I personally think this simple test could prevent the development of late-onset diabetes in thousands of people.
Hyperinsulinism, or insulin resistance, can be treated with glucophage, but there are often side effects, including diarrhea. The best way is to attack it through diet. Someone with insulin resistance should stay away from foods that are high on the glycemic index - simple sugars, fruit juices, popcorn, white bread, raisins, white rice, etc. And some fat should be consumed with each meal - preferably healthy, non-hydrogenated fat like olive oil, avocado, and nuts. Even butter, eggs, and non-hydrogenated mayonaise, in moderation. Nuts are particularly useful - half a dozen cashews can keep hunger at bay and regulate blood sugar. The nurses' study showed that even a few servings of nuts a week dramatically lowered the risk of diabetes.
The other possibility is that your reaction to meals is caused by a food allergy or intolerance. But these usually have gastro-intestinal and histamine (sneezing, rash, inflammation) symptoms. If you're eating high-carb, and going without food for long stretches, insulin resistance could well account for your symptoms.
- jemma
poster:jemma
thread:223109
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030429/msgs/223420.html