From:
ncferretmom
Date: 2002-06-16 13:55:00 UTC
Subject: Re: sugar and insulinoma
--- In Ferret-Health-list@y..., "sukieferret" <sukiecrandall@t...>
wrote:
> <snip> These individualities are what put the "art" into
> medicine...
So true. When I wrote that I understood we should avoid sugar in
insulinoma, it was based on human experience. I would really
appreciate the input of someone who understands the physiological
differences between humans and ferrets better than I (and Sukie IS one
of these people!).
In the early 1980s I was diagnosed with hypoglycemia (not the reactive
kind). I was told that I should avoid ALL sugar and was placed on a
high protein, low carbohydrate diet. I bought a *low blood sugar
cookbook* and kept rigidly to my diet. I was healthier and happier
than any other time. It was hard to start avoiding sugar, but easy
once I was in the routine.
The reason for avoiding the sugar products is that the blood sugar was
artificially elevated and would inevitably return to its normal low
state. So, if we elevated it we were setting me up to have a severe
hypoglycemic episode, similar to a diabetic's insulin shock.
Therefore, I was told, it was better to keep the blood glucose level
stable, even if it was naturally low, than to give the sugar and cause
the fluctuation. Now, I guess that is my question about the ferrets
and insulinoma. Are we not causing the same type response, setting the
ferret up for fluctuations that should be stabilized by the
prednisone or dexamethasone, even if the blood glucose remains a
little low?
And, if my little one is insulinomic, wouldn't we want to continue her
on meds the remainder of her life instead of discontinuing them after
a few weeks? Remember the pre-surgical blood glucose was never below
86. I will certainly be monitoring it at home now that her adrenal
glands have been removed, but am a little concerned that we may end up
with a hypoglycemic crises if the *adrenal balance* is removed.
Thank you to all who can provide some additional insights. I recognize
that when someone asks detailed questions like this, it is shaky
ground for vets to respond. You have not seen my pet and do not have
all the advantages of the surgeon who waded through her intimately.
Let me stress that I am NOT and would NOT substitute comments,
speculations and theoretical discussions for the trust that must be
placed in a personal vet. I have a scientific research background and
like to know *WHY?* and *HOW?* I am extremely interested in knowing as
much as I can and also ask these questions of my vet(s). So, please,
don't be afraid to offer ANYTHING that may provide insight. I promise
that I will NOT hit anybody over the head with it and will keep it in
proper perspective. I would like to generate some discussion on this.
Again, thank you.
renee :) on behalf of the 50% insulinomic Poop-in-the-Corner Gang