48 hours into a fast I get anxious, shaky etc. all the signs of low blood sugar. ( measured at 2.9 or 52, blood ketones at 5.9) I am concerned about extending these fasts further, any thoughts? Strict keto 6 months, down from 220 to 160 lbs over 18 months. I lift heavy full body once a week. Would like to fast longer but not sure. Electrolytes and hydration are always topped up. I 24 hour fast a few times a week.
Very low blood sugar
What is your lean body mass? You might be too lean to fast. You might need to supplement fat so your body can make the glucose it needs to function, your body fat can only make so much in a day.
Check out this blog from @richard - it has a calculator to help you estimate how much fat to eat.
f you are shaky, you should eat. As you progress, over time, you’ll get more used to lower blood sugar readings. But, it takes time.
So are you saying my blood sugar will go up a bit during a fast as I do it more or I will get used to feeling this way?
As you continue to fast and more deeply adapt, you will get used to lower levels. I’ve been in the 40’s and felt fine, as have others.
Your pancreas (insulin) prevents your bs going too high and your liver has many different ways to prevent it from going too low. Two of the ways your liver can make glucose is either by body fat (you need to have enough of it) OR by breaking down protein (your muscle). Your liver will get used to doing this as it heals and adapts.
Check out the calculator in that blog post.
I agree, I think further adaptation and liver healing will rectify the low blood during fasting. Be patient I guess.
Practice makes perfect I guess. I don’t think my body has ever had a problem with not enough sugar…lol
Here is a little part of an online course I found that talks a little about the mechanism, not necessarily related to the fat adapted or insulin resistant.
http://ocw.tufts.edu/Content/14/lecturenotes/265916