Hi guys, I’ve been strictly following keto for 5.5 weeks. Prior to that, I reduced my carbs down from approximately 125 per day to 20g gradually for 3 weeks. My blood sugar drops if I don’t eat every 2 hours now. Prior to starting keto I could go 2.5 to 3 hours without eating before my blood sugar dropped. It’s worse now. My A1C is always 5.6 and I’ve been off all diabetes meds for 4 years (since I list 80 pounds). I’m eating around 50g protein daily as I’m a 64 inch female, and I eat at least 100 g fat per day. Has anyone experienced this? Any advice? I’m going to give it 2.5 more weeks and if my blood sugar continues to drop this quickly I’m quitting.
Losing heart
How are you determining this blood sugar drop? Is it from blood sugar monitor measurements? Are you experiencing accompanying symptoms?
My bg goes down to the mid 60’s. I have the typical symptoms, dizziness, irritability, brain stops working.
The protein seems very low to me, I am 5’2" female, and my nutritionist recommended 60-80 grams of protein daily. Are you eating your meals to satiety? Maybe you need to add a little more protein and fat to your main meals.
I agree with other comments that this is too little protein. Your diet is an 1100-calorie diet. That sounds a bit low to me. Blood sugar in the 60s itself isn’t an issue, but if you have symptoms, it can be. What kind of foods are you eating?
Blood glucose in mid 60s while fasting is expected/excellent. Your current diet is quite restricted and has you in a pretty deeply fasted state. Having symptoms of hypoglycemia suggests that maybe your blood ketones aren’t rising sufficiently high to have you and your brain fully fueled. I don’t have an explanation for that but I’d try increasing your portions maybe with a bias towards protein but allowing more fat and perhaps a few more carbs too and see if your symptoms abate or at least reduce then give it some time before trying for deeper restriction and faster weight loss. Also coconut oil and especially MCT oil are potent for raising ketones and you might try adding in a tablespoon or so of coconut oil (or a teaspoon of MCT oil) at the first hint of symptoms coming on and see if it helps. And finally are you getting enough salt? Most need to supplement with a few grams of added salt daily when keto and especially when fasted or near fasted.
Thanks for the tips guys. I like all of the suggestions. I am a registered nurse at a large family practice and all of the providers here seem to agree with you guys on increasing my protein levels - yes I work with a bunch of open-minded minded md’s and PA’s, including some who are on a ketogenic diet!! I’m also going to try carrying my glucometer at all times to see how quickly I’m dropping. My waking bg is between 85 and 95. Also, I have been slacking on the coconut oil lately. I feel a little more hopeful now. I just need to do some trouble-shooting.
I’d lean on them, sounds like you’re in exactly the right place at the right time. Jealous!