Anyone know if "sugar lows" can cause anxiety attacks?

[donheld]

I've been having trouble with anxiety of late, tonight I had an attack and I'm wondering if it was due to a sugar low. Anyone know anything about this?

[amitten]

1. Absolutely they can. And caffeine lows, too. n/t

[Lorien]

2. Yes. It sounds like you have hypoglycemia

I do. When I had a drop in my blood sugar it produced a "panic attack" like reaction; shortness of breath, dizziness, heart palpitations-at it's worst I would become drenched in sweat and nearly pass out. It started out as mere bouts of anxiety but then got worse over the years.

How to control it: eat ONLY protein and veggies for breakfast; an omelet is perfect. Limit carbs and sugar intake (it's best not to eat them until dinner) and take a chromium picolinate supplement daily.

[donheld]

3. Tonight was just awfull. I was at work

My job has been driving me crazy anyway of late. Tonight though, At first I was feeling really well. Then suddenly I started questioning my work and the attack hit. :banghead: Then i became an absolute mess. I even had someone check my work and still the panic would not subside. It's a bit better now, but I'm still not feeling quite myself.

[Lorien]

7. Sounds pretty bad. I also agree with those that suggest

that you cut the caffeine too. Usually if someone has a sugar sensitivity they'll also do poorly with caffeine.

Hope things improve soon!

[AlienGirl]

4. Yes, and also bouts of depression, even crying jags

[donheld]

5. My job can cause that anyway

I'm so full of self doubt due to some mistakes. This only adds to the panic. I never put the connection to the sugar, caffeine till tonight.

[emmajane67]

6. Yep. Any sort of adjustment to your usual state.

Hangovers.
Too much caffiene is also a biggie.

[Minnesota Libra]

8. I too have very low sugar levels .........

.....and it's called hypoglocsemia". I've been tested and determine to have it and it's not always pleasant to live with but it's not the worst thing that could happen. In fact my sugar levels have been known to drop so low that I pass out and wake up in the hopsital with IV's everywhere. So I've lived with this for a few years and I know of which I speak.

My first advice is to get to a doctor and be tested for "hypoglocsemia".

Second bit of advice is throw out all the advice you get from people who have "sugar diabetis" or don't have very low sugar levels.

Third bit of advice is keep ONLY natural sugared foods, fruits, and juices around. Eat five or six VERY SMALL meals a day to keep your sugar levels up a tad. If you do this stuff you'll be fine.

BTW, some people with "hypoglocsemia" have a tendency to grab for a candy bar when their sugar levels drop. DON"T DO IT. The problem is not getting the sugar level back up to where you feel good asgain. The real problem is when the sugar level drops again you could be in REAL BIG TROUBLE.

[Whoa_Nelly]

9. Am hypoglycemic, and one time when my sugar level dropped

my heart started racing, my vision went to pinpoint, and my body started shaking. I was driving and had to pull over. Made an app't. with my doc, and found out my sugar level was dropping to 55.

So, yes, it can seem like an anxiety attack (at least what I think that would be like...have never actually had one).