Posted by venita_55 on August 12, 2008 at 20:44:17:In Reply to: narcolepsy and metabolism disorder? posted by Kellyj on July 13, 2008 at 16:46:14:
Hey Kellyj,
I have been having problems with low blood sugar in the past too. When I first started having symptoms of cataplexy before I was diagnosed, each time the ambulance would pick me up or I was taken to when they tested my blood sugar it was always low.
I've had narcolepsy for 5 years now, and every now and again I've had challenges with the low blood sugar, but it’s not a constant problem. However, I am convinced now that I have some metabolism problem, as I have gained a lot of weight in just a few months (after getting quite small at first… I guess due to the medications).
Anyhow, I have always suspected that there is some connection between my narcolepsy and my blood sugar, but I have not been able to find information to support my theory. However, in my research, I have found that histamine, affects the sleep wake cycle, and I believe that histamine (or anti-histamine) has something to do with me and my narcolepsy.
It’s a long story, but long story short… I took an over the counter cold medication 5 years ago, and it seemed that I had an allergic reaction to it, and since that day my life has never been the same. I suspect that the cold medicine had an anti-histamine in it (the blocking of histamine causes sleepiness/drowsiness). So with that said based on my experiences, for me, there seems to be a link between narcolepsy, low blood sugar and histamine.
While your situation is nothing to rejoice about, I must say I was comforted to see that someone else has the problem with hypoglycemia that I have been experiencing, and that I am not alone. I feel so alone sometimes like no one understands what I’m going through. This site is the only place that I feel like I have the support of people who know what I’m going through, and I thank God for this site.
I hope things work out for you, with your situation, I'm sorry I don’t have any of the information that you seek, as I am seeking for answers too. However, if you do come across new info as it relates to metabolism and narcolepsy, please post it, and if I come across any info, I will be sure to post it too.
Take care.