Hello again, smart Science Blog readers. This is Connie again, author of the new book SUGAR SHOCK! (Berkley Books). I’m here to to help you uncover the truth about the dangers of excessively consumely sugar and refined carbs — something most Americans do. One of my goals also is to serve as your sugar guide — so that you can learn how your habit could lead to reactive hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), a condition many experts say can trigger diabetes.
Chances are good that in the midst of all this talk about diabetes, you simply haven’t heard much about this condition of hypoglycemia. But that doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist. Indeed, over the years, a number of respected physicians and researchers have found that people with hypoglycemia have reported up to 125 symptoms! (It took a page-and-a-half of my book SUGAR SHOCK! to rattle off some of them!)
You may be intrigued, as I was, to discover that hypoglycemia has been called the “Great Imitator” because its strange, startling symptoms can mimic a frightening array of diseases and conditions.
For instance, people with reactive hypoglycemia have been misdiagnosed as having:
* Bipolar disorder
* Schizophrenia
* Neurosis
* Migraines
* Parkinson’s syndrome
* Chronic bronchial asthma
* Paroxysmal tachycardia (rapid heartbeat)
* Rheumatoid arthritis
* Cerebral arteriosclerosis (hardening of the brain’s arteries)
* Menopause
* Mental retardation
* Alcoholism
* Hyperactive disorder — and even
* Senility
Isn’t it simply remarkable to think that all these people have reactive hypoglycemia, but their doctor(s) thought they had one of these other diseases or conditions instead! (By the way, I share some wild stores about people getting misdiagnosed in my book SUGAR SHOCK!)
* Do you, too, have any strange doctor stories where your doctor misdiagnosed you?
* Did your M.D. think you had another disease until your diabetes was discovered?
* What did it take for you to get an accurate diagnosis?
* Did your doctor tell you that your diet could be affecting your diabetes?
I’m eager to hear back. Next up I’ll tell you about 21 sypmtoms of hypoglycemia.
Connie
Author, SUGAR SHOCK!
I was diagnosed as bi-polar. The reality of thinking I was mentally deficient bothered me. Needless to say my irrational behavior was extremelly embarassing. When I was pregnant, my Dr. thought I had gestational diabetes. I went through four hours of glucose testing. I then found out I was hypoglycemic. I had no idea what that meant. I looked it up and I realized I was not borderline insane….I was insane if only from the foods I ate. I feel I was in a way labled and neglected at the time of misdiagnosis and also feel as if I have been robbed some dignity as well. I was fool for drinking too much but became a bigger fool because of what hypoglycemia did to me as a result of drinking….or eating too many ships…or too much candy. At least I know now
You are not alone
Strangely enough I have come to a place after suffering auditory and visual hallucinations that I do beleive low blood sugar plays a part in the treament of schizophrenia.
I agree there is something about low blood sugar that causes duality in a persons neurology.
I recall being told I was hypoglycemic as a child and in my adult years had a psychotic break.
I attribute much of my addictions on having low blood sugar. I would much rather choose a alcoholic drink before eating a meal to calm me down.
I do beleive this blood sugar works in conjunction with smoking and drinking alcohol.
This realization blows me away. although as a child I never curbed my apettite for drinking alcohol.
I truly beleive there is something here that is right.
All through my healing I have found most psychologist to be wrong and my schizophrenic healing to be mind body related .
Do you, too, have any strange doctor stories where your doctor misdiagnosed you?