Blood sugar issues

[browncmp]

Anybody have issues with their blood sugar levels dropping during workouts? My family has a history of blood sugar problems and I watch very carefully how much sugar I take in, but sometimes during my training my sugar bottoms out and I have to take 5-10 minute breaks. I eat prior to my workout, nothing sugar filled, I take vitamins and all that but I still have issues. Again its not all the time, some days Im fine. Just wondering if other encounter this and what you do mid workout to correct it.

[GunPowder]

First, I'd see a doctor if it's a real issue. Otherwise, try limiting your carbs to high quality complex carbs like a bowl of oatmeal for breakfast, or a couple of slices of 100% whole wheat bread in a sandwich for lunch. These tend to burn slowly, and keep you from binging on simple sugars (even the healthy-sounding ones like apple juice).

Also, if you work out first thing in the morning, it's important to drink water to replenish electrolytes. Ever tried ZippFizz? Buy it at Costco, comes in little vials that you mix in your bottled water. Tastes like grapefruit. Drink it down before you leave home for the gym, or carry it with you during your workout. You'll be amazed. . . if that's your issue.

A good night's sleep won't hurt either. . . something we all struggle with. You probably have heard all this before. Anyways, keep the faith, and the last thing you want to do is quit working out!

[bgnb]

working muscles burns sugars ... so just add a little
juice to your water bottle and hydrate and fuel up
at the same time.

experiment with how much juice to water keeps you
going without 'bonking' so you don't add an upset
stomach to your problems.

have a good quality protein/carb meal after your
workout as well.

you may also want to consider changing your routine
so you spend less time in the gym for each workout ...
figure out when you 'bonk' and that's about when you
should be quitting. if you are doing full body workouts
then go to a split so you maintain intensity but drop
some time from the routine.

you might be better off working out 30 minutes a day
every day and doing one 'body area' in each workout -- this
allows your body to draw on other glucose stores to
keep your sugar stable.

Finally, consider getting a blood glucose monitor ... its about
$100 for the monitor/strips and easy to use, but it will give
you a better idea of what works to keep your blood sugar
stable (foods, workouts, sleep etc).

[browncmp]

Thanks for the input. My blood sugar issue isnt so bad that my docter is concerned... yet. I do eat whole wheat bread prior to my workout, I drink my shakes and all that, but it still happens. Again, its not every single workout, and its not at the exact same time in each workout. Stopping when I feel bad might be in the middle of back, or chest, thats not gonna work. As far as juice goes... I cant drink it. Im allergic, dont ask. I cant drink anything that even tastes like juice, including kool-aid, tang, and any other mixture you can think of. If I need slow digesting sugars I have to find other sources.
I do workout in the morning usually around 11. I have two meals prior to that. Not huge things either. Today, I worked out without trouble. I ate the same things at the same time I did the last time I felt a drop in sugars. Its so random, and so very annoying.

[melon]

Have a dextrose solution for you to sip on during your workout. This should keep you going.

[just another gy]

Your Dr. didn't mention possible hypoglycemia? (low blood sugar). If so, simple carbohydrates (simple sugars) will increase insulin levels and worsen the blood glucose drop. Further, depending on simple carbohydrates deepens the cycle/condition.
Make sure you are eating well balanced meals that consist of the daily required complex carbs. Their longer chains take longer to metabolize and are therefore slowly released as glucose into the blood stream. Also, make sure you are getting enough B1, B2, and B3 vitamins; as they assist in the release of energy in your cells.
Glucose is stored in the muscles and liver, and is manufactured in cellular reactions during aerobic activity. My guess is that you are not getting enough complex carbohydrates and your body is "running out of gas".
Remember, a balanced diet is the key.