September 3, 2002
Hypoglycemia
Question from Baltimore, Maryland, USA:
While I am trying to take care of my diabetes using the Atkins’ diet plan, I have a problem because only 60% of my heart works, and that is the bottom part — the upper only flutters. My ex-doctor says, if my blood thickens, I will either have a stroke or heart attack and die and that I must be on a blood-thinner so I am. I use a very good substitute (garlic) for Coumadin which seems to work. However, until a week ago, my blood sugar levels were constantly dropping, and things seemed to be going along well, but now they are consistently in the 60s mg/dl [3.3 mmol/L]. Is this typical? Am I in dangerous territory? What can I do other than go to the hospital? I don’t want to use drugs. I want to use naturals.
Answer:
Your question is a complicated one that would require a consultation with a health care professional to review your blood sugar tests and ask you a series of questions about your meals, supplements, physical activity, medication (if any) and so forth. In addition, a check of your blood sugar meter to be sure it is working properly is highly recommended with the low readings you describe. I suggest you make an appointment as soon as possible.
JS
