It’s time today for another "Stump the Savvy Sugar Sleuths" feature. Today, experts will address a reader’s question about hypoglycemia.
Connie,
"Around 20 years ago I had a 5-hour glucose tolerance and from that, a naturopath diagnosed me as having hypoglycemia. I followed a strict sugarless diet for approximately 4 years, and then I gradually went back to my former bad habits but had another test which an M.D. said was normal and I didn’t have the condition anymore….
"My question is…once diagnosed, is this for life?…I know I do have a problem and gain weight every time I give in and indulge in desserts, but could it be an addiction instead? Either way I feel better being sugar free and wheat free. I try to follow the "Eat For Your Blood Type" diet.
Would appreciate hearing from you when you have time."
Thanks,
Joyce Gillis
I posed this question to two experts. First, Fred Pescatore, M.D., responds:
"Most MDs do not know how to read Glucose Tolerance Tests.. If the M.D. was not a holistic practitioner, then thier definition of "normal" is quite large. In order to be properly diagnosed, you must find someone who has adequate knowledge in the area of expertise.
"If you were once diagnosed with hypoglycemia, then chances are you will always tend towards hypoglycemia, especially when you gain weight. It may very well be an addiction on top of the hypoglycemia, but it is highly unlikely that you are no longer hypoglycemic."
Now, sugar expert Nancy Appleton, Ph.D. replies:
"Congratulations on staying off of sugar for 4 years. The body heals itself if you let it. You did when you kicked sugar, but watch out, because you weakened your body, and it could happen more easily again."As far as I know, hypoglycemia does not have anything to do with weight gain except that when you do eat sweet food, you experience a drop in low blood sugar and you crave food, and most likely sweet food. These cravings can cause weight gain. You said it. You feel better wheat free and sugar free. So do many people — if they would just do it."
– Nancy Appleton, Ph.D., author of Lick the Sugar Habit, Lick the Sugar Habit Sugar Counter, and Stopping Inflammation: Relieving the Cause of Degenerative Diseases.
.www.nancyappleton.com
I hope Fred’s and Nancy’s responses help. Let me just add that if you’re hypoglycemic and eat well, you’ll feel better. But, chances are that if you go back to your sugary ways, your old symptoms can return — something I certainly don’t want to ever try.
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