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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How Do You Treat Low Blood Sugar Levels?

Five years ago I had gastric bypass and now for the past year I have been experiencing very low sugar levels. As low as 31; but usually between 42 and 46. I can tell when it begins and usually will eat peanut butter or a slice of cheese to pull me out of this decline. Any ideas of why this is happening and what I can do.
Wed, 2 Jan 2019
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Endocrinologist 's  Response
Hello,

There are several different kinds of diabetes medicines in addition to insulin. These medicines can lower blood sugar levels but they're not the same as insulin.

Insulin can't be taken as a pill because acids in the stomach destroy it before it can enter the bloodstream.

A diabetic who need five injections of insulin/24 h to control his Diabetes. Cannot switch the therapy to oral medications because the oral therapy very probably won't be effective.

About the insulin pump, these are possible alternatives for treatment because the patient uses multiple daily injections of insulin.

Pumps use only rapid-acting insulin to provide basal (background) bolus (meal or snack/carbohydrate) insulin and it is very important to underline that only a trained medical professional is qualified to determine the correct insulin pump settings for the individual needs of each diabetic.

So, Do not attempt to use an insulin pump without professional training.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Take care

Regards,
Dr Elona Xhardo, Endocrinologist
I find this answer helpful
Endocrinologist Dr. Elona's  Response
Hello,

Post-gastric bypass hypoglycemia is a serious complication of bariatric surgery. These hypoglycemic episodes are characterized by low blood sugars that occur 2 to 3 hours after a meal.

The cause seems to be excessive insulin secretion in response to the meal. My advice for you is to eat small multiple meals during all the day and to cut down the total amount of carb in your daily diet(high carbs foods can produce hyperinsulinemia and cause hypoglycemia).

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Take care

Regards,
Dr Elona Xhardo, Endocrinologist
I find this answer helpful
Endocrinologist Dr. Elona's  Response
Hello,

Post-gastric bypass hypoglycemia is a serious complication of bariatric surgery. These hypoglycemic episodes are characterized by low blood sugars that occur 2 to 3 hours after a meal.

The cause seems to be excessive insulin secretion in response to the meal. My advice for you is to eat small multiple meals during all the day and to cut down the total amount of carb in your daily diet (high carbs foods can produce hyperinsulinemia and cause hypoglycemia).

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Take care

Regards,
Dr Elona Xhardo, Endocrinologist
I find this answer helpful
Endocrinologist Dr. Elona's  Response
Hello,

There are several different kinds of diabetes medicines in addition to insulin. These medicines can lower blood sugar levels but they're not the same as insulin.

Insulin can't be taken as a pill because acids in the stomach destroy it before it can enter the bloodstream.

A diabetic who need five injections of insulin/24 h to control his Diabetes, cannot switch the therapy to oral medications because the oral therapy very probably won't be effective.

About the insulin pump, these is a possible alternative of treatment because the patient use multiple daily injections of insulin.


Pumps use only rapid-acting insulin to provide basal (background) bolus (meal or snack/carbohydrate) insulin and it is very important to underline that only a trained medical professional is qualified to determine the correct insulin pump settings for the individual needs of each diabetic.

So, Do not attempt to use an insulin pump without professional training.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Elona Xhardo, Endocrinologist
I find this answer helpful

Note: For further follow-up, discuss your blood glucose reports with our diabetologist. Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
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How Do You Treat Low Blood Sugar Levels?

Hello, There are several different kinds of diabetes medicines in addition to insulin. These medicines can lower blood sugar levels but they re not the same as insulin. Insulin can t be taken as a pill because acids in the stomach destroy it before it can enter the bloodstream. A diabetic who need five injections of insulin/24 h to control his Diabetes. Cannot switch the therapy to oral medications because the oral therapy very probably won t be effective. About the insulin pump, these are possible alternatives for treatment because the patient uses multiple daily injections of insulin. Pumps use only rapid-acting insulin to provide basal (background) bolus (meal or snack/carbohydrate) insulin and it is very important to underline that only a trained medical professional is qualified to determine the correct insulin pump settings for the individual needs of each diabetic. So, Do not attempt to use an insulin pump without professional training. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Take care Regards, Dr Elona Xhardo, Endocrinologist