ADs and blood sugars/exercise

[deliakate]

A question for those who have used or are using ADs: what effects, if any, do you think they have on your blood sugars? I have read that they directly interfere with blood glucose levels, and I have found in the past that they really do affect how regularly I need to eat - eg I get very shaky and cold if I don't have a morsel of food every two hours or so.

And I find I cannot do aerobic exercise effectively, partly due to this. Of course, this is leads to some weight gain, as well as being a major inconvenience with two little ones and a busy life. I just don't want to be a slave to food and feeling sick/passing out if I don't shovel in snacks all the time.

I've not been on ADs for over 2 years, and GP wants me to start again - this is the major stumbling block right now. I am considering treating my mild depression with exercise - 3 or 4 workouts a week. Has anyone experience of this???

I am on ADs and suffer mild hypoglycaemic attacks from time to time (when blood suger levels drop) but I also had them occasionally when not on ADs. They are very unpleasant because I feel feint and anxious and feel the need to eat and eat (almost like I have to pack myself) I have had my blood sugar levels tested and they are normal. I carry glucose sweets with me and something sweet like a mars bar. I also make sure I eat fibre and nuts and dried fruit which seems to help.

Thanks NanaNina. Do you mind me asking whether you have put on weight whilst on the ADs? Sorry if its too personal :)

Interesting thread. I'm not sure that I've suffered any more with low blood sugar now I'm on ADs than before. However I when I first started on ADs I did have carb cravings. This has stopped now, except premenstrually when I feel the need to eat everything in sight:)

Unfortunately simply being depressed causes you to crave carbohydrates so I'm not sure if this is connected to the ADs or not.

I also like a cup of coffee mid-morning these days to get me going and if I'm not careful I end up with the shakes then. Interestingly I find exercise itself suppresses my appetite and need for sugar, until the next day when I seem to play catch up.

Today I started off with a bowl of porridge which has been brilliant at stopping sugar dips and shakes. I know I should eat it more often but I'm not good at being sensible and if I'm having a bad day I seem to eat the wrong things then too:)

deliakate - no I haven't put on weight with ADs but I am at least a stone overweight anyway! Yes I know porridge is meant to be the absolute top thing to eat for breakfast, but I hate it - can't bear to look at it or smell it, never mind eat it..........

I've recently been reading about this in a book about Prozac, I have always suffered with low blood sugar even before I ever took AD's, apparently people who have low blood sugar are more prone to depression as well, and AD's can make blood sugar problems worse. I know someone on Prozac as well who like you has to eat every couple of hours and it has become a big issue for her. I would definately try the exercise/alternative remedies route first if you feel able to.

Hi All

Yes, I definitely have this sort of problem on ADs. I am sitting here (working!) and have had to pop to the kitchen to get something to eat as I have gone a bit woozey, light-headed and shaky. When I am on the ADs I often get like this when I need to eat. I too find it a problem with exercise. I love running but I get half way round my route and start to sway and worry I might fall into the road! I have always been very slim and eaten whatever I want without having to worry about it but since being on ADs I have to be more careful. Porridge is definitely good for keeping you going. I have become the dried fruit expert. I was finding I was constantly eating chocolate and biscuits as I just needed a little boost. I now have a pot of dried apricots, apples, raisins, cranberries, etc, beside me to nibble on. The other answer is to have more but much smaller meals. If in the day you would normally have a sandwich at 1pm. Have half of it at 12pm and the other half at 2pm. Hope this helps. At least you know you are not alone!