low blood sugar, help?

fitmom4ever

I have had low blood sugar since my preteens, but learned to regulate it with diet a few years later. I try to start every morning with a glass of apple or orange juice as well as some whole grain bread or cereal, having found that when I don't do this I will experience several drops in my sugar throughout the day, sometimes even passing out. I also learned to grab something sweet when I feel my sugar levels are too low, knowing that fruit or yogurt is a better idea than cookies or candy or icecream.
However, since I have started exercising, (walking or lightly jogging on a treadmill 3-4 times a week and doing situps, nothing too strenuous) I have been having a harder time regulating my bloodsugar and find myself craving more and more sweet snacks or having more quick drops of bloodsugar.
I have no idea why increased exercise would make my sugar levels irregular or what I can do to counteract this. Does anyone have any advice for me?

merrillfoster

Exercise will make your blood sugar spike quickly, then drop rapidly. I'm not sure the exact science behind it, but I think it is because exercise burns through the sugar/carbs you were already using to keep your blood sugar stable more quickly--therefore, they need to be replaced. I've found that cheese or peanut butter crackers before exercise (or, you know, whatever works for you) helps to alleviate this problem.

T0RIEELIZABETH

I've always had trouble with my bloodsugar, especially when I'm exercising. I know it helps me when I drink a lot of water. When my sugar is low, Milk helps me a lot.

ammp

My first thought would be have you had your fasting insulin checked lately? Perhaps you've treaded into true diabetic land.

brendansmom1

I am diabetic, and I will tell you, exercise brings my sugar down a LOT. If it drops too low, bananas are a great way to bring it up fast...aside from the obvious candy and orange juice option!

You really have to be careful. I would not mess with this...I would see a doc for sure. If your levels fluxuate that much, I wonder if you are not hypo-glycemic or even diabetic??

Be safe and take care of yourself

EmilyV80

I'm a type 1 diabetic so a little different but usually protein helps stabilize blood sugar. They make different types of snack bars for this but anything high in protein should help: peanut butter, yogurt, milk. Good luck. It is not a fun feeling and so frustrating when you are trying to watch what you eat and end up having to eat more to bring your blood sugar up.

fitmom4ever

Thanks for all the advice and support!

findingmyself

I drink coffee and I know that this will cause a drop in blood sugar. So I heard recently to sprinkle cinnamon in it and that will help regulate sugar levels. I havent tried it enough to know for sure wether or not it works, but it is worth sprinkling on your toast in the am!