First of all I want to make it clear here, because the video doesn’t. This discussion is primarily about diabetes type 2. Diabetes type 1 cannot be healed through lifestyle like type 2 can be.
Many of us who have been on psych meds are hypoglycemic or have other blood sugar balancing issues and get diagnosed with psychiatric disorders in part because we don’t keep our blood sugar in check. The drugs in turn make the problem worse and some people develop diabetes.
Everyone who wants to feel healthy needs to be concerned about blood sugar levels regardless of whether they fall into one of these categories.
I have hypoglycemia. I need to eat about 7 times a day, but I don’t eat any sugar or refined carbs. I actually haven’t eaten much of either my whole life, but I can tell you keeping a level blood sugar has helped me stay much saner even throughout my withdrawal. I’m physically sick from detoxing, but my mind is relatively clear and free of psychiatric disturbances because I keep my blood sugar in check.
I still have psychological/trauma issues to work out, but eating well has radically changed my life for the better in terms of my over-all mental health.
Diabetes on the other hand is often caused by the neuroleptics (antipsychotics) many of us take along with all the life-style issues this guy talks about. This is one of the reasons these drugs should only be used for acute situations and never long-term.
Proteins last for hours, and no spike in sugar. If you eat sugar, then there is a huge spike, followed by no blood sugar. It’s one thing to read this in a magazine but another thing to actually test your own blood sugar, and see that it is so!
Exactly Ari!! the thing is so many people don’t bother experimenting!! it’s incredible how many things we can do to make ourselves feel better is we put our mind to it…and our habits!
Hi,
I have had two anxiety attacks, and problems with anxiety. I find that exercise helps.
However, one time, I felt anxious, so decided to go for a walk. I went for an hour, rapid walk. I then got back, and realized I was still anxious, and so went for another 30 minutes. I got back home, and realized that I was still anxious.
So, I called up my nurseline and apparently she thought I had hypoglycemia. I ate some food and got better! I would say hypoglycemia is very similar to anxiety or anxiety attacks.
Since that time, I have bought a glucose monitor, and talked my doctor into prescribing the testing strips (the main cost) based upon the fact that I am on seroquel. It’s not only a great way to tell whether you are hypoglycemic (vs. anxious) or, if you are experiencing high blood sugar, that is associated with metabolic syndrome. So far, so good.
I eat almost entirely protein, vegetables, some fruit, and an occasional carb. Once you look for yourself and see what carbs do to your blood sugar, vs. protein, well, at least I was sold for life. Proteins last for hours, and no spike in sugar. If you eat sugar, then there is a huge spike, followed by no blood sugar. It’s one thing to read this in a magazine but another thing to actually test your own blood sugar, and see that it is so!
Also, I find that when I’m anxious, my blood sugar is usually towards the high end, though this is entirely anecdotal. High for me, is around 140 – 160. I feel much more stable at around 100.
Ask your doctor, but I think if you’re taking a drug that can cause diabetes, that you should pay $50 for a glucose monitor, and not very hard to talk a doctor into prescribing you testing strips. Or, you can also buy the testing strips on your own, usually around $1.00/test. This way, you can test, and test early for metabolic syndrome.
Best,
Ari
I’m so glad you are reminding us of this risk, Gianna.. I keep spoiling myself with Easter eggs. Lovely milky Swiss chocolate ones that weigh in at half a pound each. I’ve been scoffing a whole egg in a single sitting! Each time, the dog watches longingly but, nope, these are my treat! All mine!
You ever seen the movie Mr Bean? He buys himself Christmas gifts because noone else does. I’ve been doing that with Easter eggs! And it’s got to stop. My heart pounds after eating each egg. I guess the surging blood sugar level is a bad strain on it.
Once a year the doc weighs me. The first year I was on Zyprexa, I put on a stone (14 pounds). No problem said Dr Quacko. You were underweight anyway, he says. Second year, I gained another ten pounds or so. Still no problem he reassures. But then the last visit the doc surprises me by suddenly warning that I am fat! I guess the computer that controls him has just realised that!
I fixed the video…
I have type 2 diabetes and hypothyroid. When either issues are not well controlled I go nuts. I took bipolar meds for years, and have finally realized that by addressing my diabetes and thyroid, I don’t need those psych meds.
You already know what improvements that I have made with my son, and 6 months ago he was dx’d “borderline diabetic” and now he is doing great!
I am so thankful for this site!
BTW, love the new design 🙂
I agree with you totally. I have type ll diabetes and when my sugars aren’t as they should be it definitely affects me psychologically.