Ask the Diabetes Educator Archive

12/9/02

Q:
I am a 46 year old woman. I have always had a weight problem and am about 30 lbs overweight now. My father had diabetes and I have the opposite, low blood sugar, I am hypoglycemic. My question is, can hypoglycemia turn in to diabetes? I have heard conflicting opinions. Some doctors say that it can happen, but it is a rare occurrence. Other doctors say that there is a very good probability that it will turn in to diabetes. I would like to know the truth.

A:
Yes, hypoglycemia can manifest as hyperglycemia into diabetes. Statistically how much this occurs, I do not know. A key for management is lifestyle: eat unrefined foods and exercise. It is the unchecked intake of refined carbohydrates and simple sugars (yes, fruit juice is included here) that can tax the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas to a point of exhaustion.