Do I have blood sugar problems?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the symptoms experienced by an individual after not eating for approximately 14 hours, questioning whether these symptoms indicate blood sugar problems or are a normal response to hunger. The conversation touches on the implications of fasting duration and hydration levels.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes feeling hot, sweating, shaking hands, irritability, and general discomfort after not eating for about 14 hours, questioning if this indicates blood sugar problems.
  • Another participant suggests getting a glucose test as a definitive way to assess blood sugar levels.
  • Some participants argue that feeling unwell due to hunger does not necessarily imply a blood sugar problem, indicating that hunger can naturally lead to discomfort.
  • There is a discussion about the implications of fasting for 14 hours, with one participant noting that feeling crummy after such a fast may not be alarming.
  • Questions arise about the strictness of the fasting period, including whether it involves abstaining from water, with one participant emphasizing the negative effects of dehydration over fasting.
  • A participant shares their experience of unintentional fasting and the effects of prolonged fasting on their well-being, suggesting that hydration may play a significant role in their symptoms.
  • Another participant provides a mnemonic about survival times without air, water, and food, contributing to the context of fasting and hydration.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on whether the symptoms experienced are indicative of blood sugar problems or simply a natural response to hunger. There is no consensus on the underlying cause of the symptoms, and the discussion remains unresolved regarding the implications of fasting and hydration.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention various assumptions regarding fasting duration, hydration status, and individual responses to hunger, which may affect the interpretation of symptoms. The discussion does not resolve these assumptions or provide a definitive conclusion.

Mk
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If I haven't eaten for a while (~14 hours) I start to feel hot and sweat, my hands shake a little bit, am more irritable, and generally feel bad. Do I have blood sugar problems? Is this normal?
 
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Go and get a glucose test done. Its the best way to find out.
 
Hunger can make you feel pretty lousy. It doesn't mean you have a blood sugar "problem."

- Warren
 
If you can go 14 hours without eating, and all that happens is that you feel kind of crummy, you're doing awfully well.

But you should eat more regularly.
 
14 hours is a long time?
 
Yes, that is a long time. How strict is your 14 hr. fast? Are you going without food only, or also without water? If I get dehydrated I feel pretty bad. Much worse than if I don't eat.
 
Its usually every few weeks, and not intended. If I go to bed early, wake up late, and don't get a chance to eat a breakfast.
 
I am pretty sure now that those bad effects were from lack of water for more than a day's time, not lack of food. One 30-hour fast had me feeling pretty bad, but after I found out it was 26-hours I wanted to see how long I could go. A well-nourished person can go 50 days without food, but only about 3 days without water.
 
3 minutes without air, 3 days without water, 3 weeks without food. A handy, if very rough mneumonic taught by a paramedic instructor.
 

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