"You, Me & My Blood Sugar!"

The other afternoon after my lunch, I was browsing graduation cards in a local shop and overheard the three women on the other side who were really lollygagging in the birthday card section.

“Okay, ladies, it is now all about me and my blood sugar level!” laughed one of them rather loudly, with a tinge of insistence that was unmistakable to me. I looked at my watch—it was nearly 2:30 p.m.

I felt a sudden surge of empathy for her, knowing that she probably was suffering from low blood sugar and feeling the jitters and irritation I used to feel. Frankly, I also admired her light yet assertive way of reminding her companions that she really needed to eat before she fell apart!

I consider myself a self-diagnosed hypoglycemic. My life really changed when I discovered how to manage my own rollercoaster rides with blood sugar. It was by accident really, over 20 years ago. My husband had been officially diagnosed with moderate hypoglycemia after one of those grueling six-hour blood tests, so we changed how and when we eat in order to help him concentrate more and feel less anxious.

Hypoglycemia is a condition of abnormal sugar metabolism resulting in low blood sugar. It can paradoxically be created by eating too much sugar or refined carbohydrates. (It can be associated with other disorders, but this seemed to be his problem.)

In a nutshell, we were both eating way too much sugar, white flour and other refined carbohydrates, which are basically empty calories. This causes a spike in blood sugar followed by big drop—and therein lies the problem.

He was given a menu template that we agreed we would both follow just to make things simpler. It basically called for smaller but more frequent meals that were more nutritionally dense: proteins, complex carbohydrates, and fats. We also began taking nutritional supplements.

The results were amazing! Not only did Mark start to be more productive at work and home, but my general mood improved too! No more crying jags and unexplained blues, for a start. I also felt more energy and less irritation. This was my first insight into how “we are what we eat”! I felt more in control of my life again. I am grateful that we could do all of this naturally, without medications.

So no more skipping meals in order to finish a task or because I don’t feel like cooking. I keep stuff like turkey, cheese, nuts, yogurt, and the like for snacks. And no more coffee, sodas, or cookies for a boost, because I know I’ll pay for it double shortly afterwards. I’ve also found lots of great information from free alternative health newsletters that has helped me take more responsibility for how my day goes. There are lots of natural treatments of health conditions, from supplements to enhance our wellbeing. The choice is ours.