Controlling Your Blood Sugar When You Have Fibromyalgia

fibromyalgia and blood sugar

The complexity of Fibromyalgia pain syndrome causes many other complications. Many fibromyalgia patients are prone to Reactive hypoglycemia, a condition where one’s blood sugar level becomes dangerously low after having a meal.

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Fibromyalgia and Insulin Sensitivity

There’s actually a well-established link between insulin sensitivity and fibromyalgia pain syndrome. Researchers are very much aware of the fact that a lot of those who were suffering from fibromyalgia are highly susceptible to reactive hypoglycemia. Furthermore, this can be made worse when patients feel the need to increase their energy by eating more carbohydrates, which in turn, lead to sugar crash.

What is Reactive Hypoglycemia?

Reactive hypoglycemia is not the same with hypoglycemia, which takes place after fasting. Fasting hypoglycemia is a low blood sugar that takes place as a result of not eating anything at all. On the other hand, reactive hypoglycemia is often overlooked because it does not manifest itself in the same way as fasting hypoglycemia. It actually takes place within a few hours after eating a huge amount of carbs.

The quick rush of the carbs getting into our small intestines can lead to the rapid absorption of glucose. This causes our pancreas to produce an extremely huge amount of insulin. Our body tries to compensate for the added insulin due to the flooding of carbohydrates by producing adrenaline. This in turn causes blood sugar levels to plummet, and energy level in the individual reduces resulting in lethargy. The immediate response of the individual is to consume more sugar or carbs to gain energy. This vicious cycle repeats itself.

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Signs of Reactive Hypoglycemia

Those who suffer from reactive hypoglycemia are often overweight. Regardless of how hard they try, they just cannot lose all those extra pounds. This is a common problem for those who have fibromyalgia.  Moreover, fibromyalgia patients are likely to suffer from hormone imbalances. The imbalances can extend to issues with the insulin hormone. Therefore, making it difficult for carbohydrates to be effectively processed by the body. Some of the symptoms include fatigue, dizziness, headache, sweating, irritability, depression, etc.

How to Prevent Reactive Hypoglycemia?

When it comes to controlling reactive hypoglycemia, it is crucial to understand that your diet has a major influence on your overall well-being. This means that you should design an eating plan that addresses your blood sugar issues and aids weight loss. It is highly recommended that you adopt a diet rich in lean protein, complex carbohydrates and healthy fats. In addition, you can also ensure that your blood sugar level remains within healthy range by using a blood sugar monitor.

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12 Comments

  1. says: Sherry

    Thank you so much for this. I have been so tired and sweating for no good reason. Also experience dizziness at times. Of course I am overweight and have trouble losing weight. Living alone I don’t eat like I should. I am going to do what you have recommended. Thanks again I had no idea about this.

  2. says: Mel

    Very helpful article as I feel the crash quite quickly after eating and after about half n hour I’m asleep -hence the lathargery – I’m definatly going o talk to my dr about this as I’m also overweight and sweat just moving around the house
    Thanks again for a great article

  3. says: Delaine Carranza Johnson

    I have all these issues so understand what you are saying. One problem with testing my blood sugar is that insurance does not cover the test strips unless you are diabetic and they are very expensive. I have a great tester but can’t afford the strips.

    1. says: Julie

      Go to Walmart and get their brand. They have a cheap (5.00) tester and cheap strips. Please check it out you will find it very economical!!!! Feel better.

  4. says: Sherri

    I have all the symptoms, but I am not over weight. Plus when I have those symptoms I also feel like a am going to pass out, if I don’t eat something very quickly. My doctor says it is hypoglycemia,so she is going to check my A1C.

  5. says: lulu

    yo tengo fibromialgia, y al contrario de la mayoría tiendo a perder mucho peso y me cuesta recuperarlo, para ello tengo q comer mucho carbohidratos y dulces pero ahora no puedo darle mucho gusto a los antojos en ese sentido y siento síntomas de hipoglucemia tanto en ayuno como después de comer… a que se deberá esto?

  6. says: Marnie

    I wish I could loose weight. I am to have an operation in the New year. But the surgeon wants me to loose some weight. I have fibromyalgia, over active thyroid and medication that causes the weight gain. What can I do ?? I’m desperate

  7. says: Carol

    I found this amazing as it is me every morning!! I eat breakfast and as I sit talking to my husband I start to sweat! My hair drips and I recently had it cut to help sweating. Then I struggle to stay awake.
    Is there a suggested diet I may have missed?
    Thanks for this it helps me understand a little more.

  8. says: Miranda

    I have this problem after most meals that have carbs in them. I get very sleepy and dizzy. I lay down for several hours after which in hand makes it hard for me to get anything accomplished. Plus I am overweight with no hopes of losing any of it because I have tried to no avail. This is a viscous and depressing cycle every day.

  9. says: Dale Walker

    WOW!!!! Finally answers to all questions I have had for so long. Night sweats knowing that it wasn’t hot flashes! I would get so upset when I would be told it was due to hot flashes. No way because the night sweats were totally different from hot flashes. I count carbs, ride my bike from 2 miles a day to 5 miles a day and/or exercise in my home to increase the amount of calories I burn. Nothing helps, I am still overweight with physicians telling me I need to take some pounds off. How do I make doctors understand that I am trying with absolutely no results and it can be very discouraging. I have also experienced the eye problems and been told to see my eye doctor which I have done. The chronic pain is horrible and yes I have sleepless nights every night. I wish physicians would all get on the same page when it becomes recognized that Fibromyalgia can cause many different issues but physicians will not share that with an individuals.”’

  10. says: Adele Coulas

    I understand now why a supplement called Emulin has helped me so much, it has gotten rid of the inflamation I had.

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