Managing Life with Hypoglycemia Since Adolescence
At 49 years old, I have navigated through life with hypoglycemia since my teenage years. My sugar levels typically hover around the 60 to 70 mark, a condition that was identified during high school when I underwent an extensive fasting test that resulted in me fainting due to dangerously low blood sugar. Since then, I've managed the symptoms predominantly through dietary adjustments. In addition, I also contend with orthostatic hypotension, with my blood pressure averaging around 89 over 64. Fortunately, the changes I made to my diet have significantly alleviated many of my dizzy spells and the skin issues on my feet. However, for the past month, I have been experiencing a peculiar taste in my mouth, which I can only liken to the lingering flavor of raisins. While I don’t regularly check my blood sugar levels, this odd sensation has led me to wonder if I'm at risk of ketoacidosis. Though I haven't noticed any additional symptoms, I recognize that my eating habits could improve; I've been somewhat neglectful of my overall intake. Approaching my 50s and dealing with perimenopause, life can be quite demanding. Nonetheless, I strive for a healthy diet, focusing on salads, avoiding pork, incorporating ample protein, indulging in homemade fruit smoothies, and eating oatmeal while keeping carbs to a minimum. Any insights or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
Answers (1)
2/14/2026, 1:00:49 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’ve been managing your hypoglycemia and orthostatic hypotension quite well through thoughtful dietary choices, and it's great to hear that your symptoms have improved. The new peculiar taste you’re experiencing could be concerning, but it’s important to understand it better before jumping to conclusions about ketoacidosis.
Understanding Your Situation
- Hypoglycemia: Your blood sugar levels of 60 to 70 mg/dL can be considered low, especially if you're not regularly monitoring them. It's crucial to balance your diet, especially as you approach your 50s and experience hormonal changes due to perimenopause, which can also affect blood sugar regulation.
- Taste Changes: The taste you’re experiencing (similar to raisins) can result from various factors, including dietary changes, dehydration, or even certain medical conditions. While ketoacidosis is more commonly associated with high blood sugar levels (not low), it's wise to be cautious.
Next Steps for Management
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Monitor Your Blood Sugar: Start checking your blood sugar levels regularly, especially in the morning and after meals. Keeping a log will help you identify patterns and potential triggers for fluctuations.
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Adjust Your Diet: While you are already making healthy choices, consider:
- Balancing your meals: Ensure you’re incorporating complex carbohydrates with protein and healthy fats to stabilize your blood sugar. Whole grains, legumes, and nuts can help.
- Snack Wisely: Keep healthy snacks (like nuts, yogurt, or fruits) handy for maintaining your sugar levels throughout the day.
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Hydration: Ensure you’re drinking enough water daily, as dehydration can affect taste perception. Aim for 8-10 cups of fluids (adjust based on your activity level).
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Consider a Health Check-Up: Given the new symptom of the peculiar taste, it might also be beneficial to have a health check. While it’s not necessary to panic, discussing these changes with a healthcare professional can provide peace of mind and address potential underlying issues, especially concerning your blood pressure and overall health.
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Track Additional Symptoms: Keep an eye on any other new or unusual symptoms, such as changes in your energy levels, blood pressure fluctuations, or further alterations in taste.
Being proactive about your health is commendable, especially during a transitional period in your life. You’ve already made significant steps; keeping that momentum will help you navigate these changes more smoothly. Reach out if you have more questions or need further support!
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