Paleo Diet and Paleolithic Diet Questions & Answers

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In my pre-paleo days when I was 23 pounds heavier, my fasting glucose was always around 78-88 whenever I had my blood work done at the doctors. Recently, I bought a glucose monitor to make sure I was still doing alright. To my surprise, my fasting glucose has been around 58-63 every morning. The "normal" range is 70-100 according to most reference ranges.

I can't say that I'm experiencing hypoglycemic symptoms except for feeling a wee bit crabby - but who doesn't feel crabby in the morning, right? Also, my hands and feet are a little cold when I wake up and I do have sub-clinical hypothyroidism. My TSH wavers between 4.8 and 7 but I don't take anything for it.

Should I be worried? Am I causing damage to my body by having such low sugar in the morning? Should I eat more carbs throughout the day?

flag	asked Apr 16 2012 at 19:14 D.K. 1,379●5●18

	What kind of meter are you using? Don't tell me it's Walmat's ReliOn. I was getting readings like that until I rechecked with my other meter. I would ask for an A1c test to confirm that your BG is within normal range: in your case, that would be above 4. – Namby Pamby Apr 17 2012 at 3:39
	I'm using the CardioCheck device – D.K. Apr 17 2012 at 16:06

miked · Answer 1 · 2012-04-16 19:43:25Z UTC

Nothing to worry about, you're fine. Here's an article on that by Robb Wolf (http://robbwolf.com/2010/09/06/gestational-diabetes-what-constitutes-low-blood-sugar/). The topic he's mainly discussing is the OGTT for pregnant women; however, much of it can be extended to non-pregnant non-women. I thought of it because I remembered this line which sounds like the answer to your original question:

Well, we see numbers in hunter gatherers in the 60-70 range. In certain clinical situations of advanced ketosis individuals have functioned as low as 40ng/dl. From anthropological data and research on ketogenic diets I’d put a safe operating low end at 55-60ng/dl. Possibly lower, but the real take home here is simply how do you feel and perform?

missionman · Answer 2 · 2012-04-16 19:35:59Z UTC

Could just be a difference between your meter and the clinical assesment of your blood. I've seen other people and I think Jimmy Moore suggest that you take a measurment with your glucometer just before you have your blood taken at the clinic and compare your results. Then you will know if your glucometer is accurate.

Kiwi · Answer 3 · 2012-09-01 21:01:09Z UTC

Subclinical TSH I though was 0.5-4.5. I would look into getting that rechecked by an ND or a functional medicine doc. Mine was at 6.9 when I was diagnosed with Hashimotoes, so you could have a problem... :/ Above 5.0 is usually a red flag. But you could be fine too. If you are having symptoms though you should for sure get it checked because you could still have an issue. Paleo for sure helps a tone with that though. Resting glucose looks to be fine ish. It depends on the person. I feel better when mine is closer to 70. Cheers.

Karen P. · Answer 4 · 2012-09-01 21:49:04Z UTC

I was glad to see this pop up.

I recently had mine tested, and it came in at 79, 1 point lower than what's considered the norm. My NP practically freaked out and told me, "I'm sure this is why you feel tired and cranky, and why you might need to eat several small meals a day." Uh...no? I'm not experiencing low blood sugar symptoms at all actually. And no, I don't need to eat several meals a day, I'm fine with 2-3 squares.

Ugh. And this from a functional medicine practice. :/ I expected better.

Not knowing your background, I would say if you're feeling fine, don't sweat it.

Fasting Blood Sugar of 58 to 63 After Eating Paleo for 3 Months

4 Answers