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Suggest Treatment For Fluctuating Blood Sugar Levels When Treating Hypothyroidism
Question: My blood sugar today has been as low as 70 but right now it's 175. I haven't been diagnosed with diabetes. I do have hypothyroidism. I have also had a gastric sleeve with a duodenal switch. I have felt light headed and generally lousy today.
Brief Answer:
Probably not diabetes
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
blood sugar levels fluctuate during the day depending - mostly - on food consumption and physical activity. The 70 measurement probably indicates a normal fasting blood sugar. 175 would be very high if it were a fasting measurement. I suppose it's about 1 hour after a meal though. Please confirm this or tell me how much time after a meal it was measured.
175 is not diagnostic of diabetes if it's not a fasting measurement.
It's a little high though even for a 1-hour after meal blood sugar.
Investigation with an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) would diagnose or exclude diabetes. The recommended OGTT is done with two measurements of blood sugar - one fasting and one after the consumption of 75gr of glucose (2 hours later).
Diagnosis of diabetes after an OGTT requires a value equal or higher than 126mg/dL for the fasting measurement or a value equal or higher than 200mg/dL for the postprandial measurement.
Your symptoms have nothing to do with your blood sugar because either value is not that high or low to cause symptoms.
I hope I've helped!
If you'd like further explanations, please contact me again.
Kind Regards!
Probably not diabetes
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
blood sugar levels fluctuate during the day depending - mostly - on food consumption and physical activity. The 70 measurement probably indicates a normal fasting blood sugar. 175 would be very high if it were a fasting measurement. I suppose it's about 1 hour after a meal though. Please confirm this or tell me how much time after a meal it was measured.
175 is not diagnostic of diabetes if it's not a fasting measurement.
It's a little high though even for a 1-hour after meal blood sugar.
Investigation with an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) would diagnose or exclude diabetes. The recommended OGTT is done with two measurements of blood sugar - one fasting and one after the consumption of 75gr of glucose (2 hours later).
Diagnosis of diabetes after an OGTT requires a value equal or higher than 126mg/dL for the fasting measurement or a value equal or higher than 200mg/dL for the postprandial measurement.
Your symptoms have nothing to do with your blood sugar because either value is not that high or low to cause symptoms.
I hope I've helped!
If you'd like further explanations, please contact me again.
Kind Regards!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
could vitamin deficiencies make you feel that way?
Brief Answer:
They could...
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
vitamin deficiencies could make you feel that way but they are not so common in individuals who eat enough good quality food. In your case I would start investigation with a complete blood count (to check the hematocrit because anemia may cause these symptoms) and TSH levels (because of your hypothyroidism). Urea, creatinine and electrolytes (sodium, potassium, calcium) should be enough as initial screening tests for your condition.
If you have any other medical history or use any drugs, please say so because it may help me make helpful suggestions.
Kind Regards!
They could...
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
vitamin deficiencies could make you feel that way but they are not so common in individuals who eat enough good quality food. In your case I would start investigation with a complete blood count (to check the hematocrit because anemia may cause these symptoms) and TSH levels (because of your hypothyroidism). Urea, creatinine and electrolytes (sodium, potassium, calcium) should be enough as initial screening tests for your condition.
If you have any other medical history or use any drugs, please say so because it may help me make helpful suggestions.
Kind Regards!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thanks. I take 275 MCG levothyroxin and OTC nexium.. I have low blood pressure, no gall bladder and have chronic kidney disease
Brief Answer:
Lab investigation needed
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
thanks for the input!
The aforementioned laboratory investigation would help a lot to determine whether your kidney and thyroid disease cause you trouble. Since you're under treatment for thyroid disease measuring fT4 (free T4) would be required as well.
Decreased TSH may mean that you needed a higher dose for example.
Also decompensated chronic kidney disease (uremia) may cause similar problems and electrolyte disorders.
So the lab tests are needed for a better assessment of your situation.
Kind Regards!
Lab investigation needed
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
thanks for the input!
The aforementioned laboratory investigation would help a lot to determine whether your kidney and thyroid disease cause you trouble. Since you're under treatment for thyroid disease measuring fT4 (free T4) would be required as well.
Decreased TSH may mean that you needed a higher dose for example.
Also decompensated chronic kidney disease (uremia) may cause similar problems and electrolyte disorders.
So the lab tests are needed for a better assessment of your situation.
Kind Regards!
Note: For more information on hormonal imbalance symptoms or unmanaged diabetes with other comorbid conditions, get back to us & Consult with an Endocrinologist. Click here to book an appointment.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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