Your Questions Answered

What’s the relationship between hypoglycemia and diabetes. I have had hypoglycemic symptoms since an early age and now have a positive diagnosis. How can I reduce my risk of getting diabetes?
Diabetes dietitian Kaye Foster-Powell says: ‘Hypoglycaemic symptoms are experienced by some people who develop type 2 diabetes, but not by all. To me it is a signal that a person’s glucose homeostasis is a bit off-kilter and should be taken as a warning that they are at risk of developing diabetes. I’ve always thought it is as if they have an abnormally increased insulin response which would fit the picture of having insulin resistance. For management of this reactive hypoglycaemia and prevention of diabetes, a very regular food intake and good low GI diet works well. It might be a good idea to consult a registered dietitian – one who understands GI.’

Kaye Foster-Powell

Editor: Check out our story, ‘Diabetes: 10 ways to reduce your risk,’ in March 2007 GI News. You may also like to pick up a copy of The New Glucose Revolution for Diabetes (The Diabetes and Pre-diabetes Handbook in Australia) which is a very comprehensive guide to managing diabetes and pre-diabetes using the GI (amongst other tools).

I’ve been following the low GI diet for six months and really cranked up my exercise intensity too. But I have only lost 4 kg although I gone down 2 sizes in my favorite brand of jeans. I am worried that I am still in the at risk bracket with my BMI. What am I doing wrong?
Prof Trim says: ‘This is a common phenomenon and rest assured you are not doing anything wrong. You have probably lost significant fat, but because of all your exercise, you have gained muscle, which is much heavier than fat. If you continue doing what you are doing, this will begin to also show as weight loss—but this is not important anyway. Get a BIA (body fat) check, and take your girth measures, like waist, chest, thighs etc. Forget BMI. BMI is not a good measure of fat and, in my opinion, should never be used at the individual level.’