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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Low Blood Sugar And Sodium Levels?

For many years my glucose has been steady. In fact it tests at 95 practically every time it was taken. I moved to assisted living about 1-1/2 years ago where I am served three meals per day planned by a dietician. Since then my glucose has dropped to 87 practically every time it is tested. This facility cooks for many diabetics and many old people who are on low sodium diets. Since coming here not only has my glucose dropped but I am having more trouble than usual keeping my sodium level up. Again for many years, my sodium level averages below normal and no doctor has ever succeeded in getting it into the normal range. They all give up and call 130 to 133 normal for me. Can eating a new diet be causing both the glucose and sodium changes?
Fri, 7 Sep 2018
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi,

As for your glucose, let me reassure you that 87 is completely normal. The normal range for a fasting blood sugar is about 70-100, and in fact, our glucose is constantly fluctuating based on our diet and many other factors, so both 95 and 87 are very normal.

As for your sodium, there are many causes for a low sodium, one common cause for elderly people who do not have any heart or kidney problems is called syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH).

This diagnosis can be confirmed with urine tests, but oftentimes the cause is never found. Your sodium is only slightly low, so I agree with your doctor that there is likely nothing to worry about. You might be able to raise your sodium a little by eating more salt (as long as you don't have any problems with your heart or blood pressure) or by decreasing the amount of water you drink (but make sure you drink enough). These are things you should discuss with your doctor first.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
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What Causes Low Blood Sugar And Sodium Levels?

Hi, As for your glucose, let me reassure you that 87 is completely normal. The normal range for a fasting blood sugar is about 70-100, and in fact, our glucose is constantly fluctuating based on our diet and many other factors, so both 95 and 87 are very normal. As for your sodium, there are many causes for a low sodium, one common cause for elderly people who do not have any heart or kidney problems is called syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH). This diagnosis can be confirmed with urine tests, but oftentimes the cause is never found. Your sodium is only slightly low, so I agree with your doctor that there is likely nothing to worry about. You might be able to raise your sodium a little by eating more salt (as long as you don t have any problems with your heart or blood pressure) or by decreasing the amount of water you drink (but make sure you drink enough). These are things you should discuss with your doctor first. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.