Just diagnosed pre-diabetic, non-diabetic hypoglycaemic

[Andrew1959]

I have never had blood sugar issues before but had my blood results yesterday. The doctor said (via online message) that I have "pre-diabetes, non-diabetes hypoglycemia". I am awaiting information and referrals in the post from my GP. I know I have a huge amount to learn and will need to make significant lifestyle changes. However, my main confusion right now is how I can have both high and low blood sugar at the same time! Also I thought these were two different conditions but I have now read that they are two names for the same thing. I'm confused! PLease help! Thank you. Andrew

 

[grovesy]

I have never had blood sugar issues before but had my blood results yesterday. The doctor said (via online message) that I have "pre-diabetes, non-diabetes hypoglycemia". I am awaiting information and referrals in the post from my GP. I know I have a huge amount to learn and will need to make significant lifestyle changes. However, my main confusion right now is how I can have both high and low blood sugar at the same time! Also I thought these were two different conditions but I have now read that they are two names for the same thing. I'm confused! PLease help! Thank you. Andrew

I don't understand either, but there is a separate condition called Reactive Hypoglycemia.

 

[Inka]

Perhaps the “pre-diabetic” was in response to a HbA1C result? The “non-diabetic hypoglycaemia” could be that at the time your blood glucose level was taken, your blood glucose was below normal. So, as you don’t yet have diabetes, that was classed as written.

Yes, hyperglycaemia (high) and hypoglycaemia (low) are two different things but you can sometimes get both as a result of diabetes or pre-diabetes. That is, your blood sugar can go too high because things aren’t working as they should but your insulin response eventually catches up and produces too much of insulin, thus pushing your blood sugar too low.

Just a guess - I’m not a healthcare professional - but it would make sense.

 

[Inka]

I’ve just found this link which might help a little:

https://www.hormone.org/diseases-and-conditions/diabetes/non-diabetic-hypoglycemia

 

[Andrew1959]

I’ve just found this link which might help a little:

https://www.hormone.org/diseases-and-conditions/diabetes/non-diabetic-hypoglycemia

Thank you. That's a really great place for me to start. Much appreciated. Andrew

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

Thank you. That's a really great place for me to start. Much appreciated. Andrew

I was going to mention the ‘reactive hypoglycaemia’ that is mentioned in that link. Where insulin release mechanisms are slightly on the fritz there can be a delayed overreaction to post-meal BG spikes, which causes high BG followed by low BG!

Diabetes is the fickle confusion gift that keeps on giving!

 

[Andrew1959]

I have had my HbA1c result at 45 mmol/mol. I have also had a referral to the NHS Healthier You programme which is operated locally via Weight Watchers. I have not had any specific referral or advice about the non diabetes hypoglycaemia. Should I be getting more support with this?

 

[rebrascora]

Hi Andrew and welcome to what is a great community.

Can I ask if you have been suffering with symptoms of hypoglycaemia?..... Like waking up feeling groggy or sweaty etc or having wobbly spells during the day?
I am just wondering how the GP came to this diagnosis? Obviously your HbA1c gets you a pre diabetes diagnosis but just curious as to how the hypoglycaemia was detected.... Did it show up on a fasting blood test?

If you are waking up groggy and sweaty then you may be dipping low overnight so perhaps a small snack like cheese and a couple of wholegrain biscuits/oatcakes before bed might help prevent you dropping too low through the night. If it is happening through the day then it is more likely to be Reactive Hypoglycaemia and eating small lower carb meals throughout the day might help.
I should say that am no expert here, but just thinking what I would do myself in your situation. I cannot imagine that either of these suggestions could do you any harm and in the absence of any medical advice, it must be worth trying.