Low Blood Sugar Is Weird

Low blood sugar is weird. Sure there is the list of common symptoms, but I'm discovering diabetes is anything but that predictable. When I was first diagnosed with diabetes I assumed I would never experience a low. It's kind of hard to imagine low blood sugar when your meter reads 287. The idea seemed ridiculous.

Now, not so much.

What I didn't expect, and what that list didn't tell me, was how variable low blood sugar can feel. There are times when I feel shaky, sweaty and hungry and I know I'm low. Then there are times when I feel perfectly normal, test and find out my blood sugar is 62. Even stranger is how I feel symptoms of a low more distinctly when my meter reads between 80 and 70. If it goes lower than that, I don't feel anything.

OK, for my family's sake, I will take that back. Sometimes I feel like my evil twin Eiram exchanged places with me. Eiram is angry about everything. She could pitch a fit over a dropped napkin. I don't like this person. Fortunately sugar makes her disappear faster than a vampire hides from garlic.

Other times I'll burst into tears for no reason. This is particularly embarrassing in a grocery store line. The emotional reactions startle me inside. I am always aware I'm getting upset for no reason. The problem is I don't always connect the dots and test my blood sugar. That's why I am so grateful for the Dexcom buzzing and beeping. It's still new to me, and we're making friends.

I inserted my first sensor and didn't pass out, run away crying, or wet my pants. I think, given how much of a coward I am, that calls for a celebration. And since Dexcom says I'm low, I'm getting myself a treat. Ooh, ice cream. Yum!