Why do I feel weak and sweaty before meals?
Consultant Gastro-enterologist Physician,
Leigh Infirmary, England
Q: When I do not get good sleep for 3-4 days continuously, I feel weak and sweat before lunch time. After taking some food, I feel better. I checked my BP which was around 110/70. I have had this problem 4 times in the last past 3 years. About 2 months back, I had acidity and a gastric problem for which the doctor took an ECG which had no abnormality. Do I need to consult a heart specialist?
A:Your symptoms of sudden weakness, sweatiness which improves with food is very suggestive of low blood sugar level, known as hypoglycaemic attacks. This due to various causes including pre-diabetic state. I am unable to connect this with lack of sleep. You need to have your blood tested for insulin levels at different times of the day as well as other tests, if only to exclude various causes. It is important that you consult an appropriate specialist.