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What Causes Dizziness While Skipping Meals?

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Posted on Tue, 22 Aug 2023
Question: I have been trying to lose weight.. why is it when I skip a meal and if I get under any kind of stress I get real dizzy.. I guess I get anxious and then my blood pressure goes up.. is the dizziness caused by the higher blood pressure 142/92 or low blood sugar? Today I got so dizzy I could hardly walk straight.. I ate and then I felt better .. is it harmful to skip meals like that??

Most of my time my blood pressure is normal just when I get over stressed does it go up..I felt today like I was going to pass out.. is 142/92 dangerously high that I need to worry about having a stroke
doctor
Answered by Dr. salah saad shoman (8 hours later)
Brief Answer:
A possible diabetes

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

I understand your concerns but feeling extremely dizzy when skipping meals could be a sign of underlying diabetes, so I would recommend that you take a blood test for fasting and postprandial blood glucose levels together with an HB A1c blood test to assess you glycemic state.

As for the blood pressure, it is only mildly elevated but the chronic mild elevation of the blood pressure can cause serious heart or brain complications. So, I would recommend that cut off on the salt content of your diet, exercise by walking half an hour daily and try to lose excess weight. These lifestyle adjustments could optimize your blood pressure... but if they fail then you will need to visit your doctor for a prescription for antihypertensive medication.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Salah Saad Shoman, Internal Medicine Specialist


Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. salah saad shoman (16 hours later)
Thanks so much! I did take some blood pressure meds yesterday and got my bp down I only take 6 mg of tenor min and it seems to reduce the blood pressure.. today my blood pressure is 100/71.. so I hate to take more bp meds as it will reduce it more.. I hope it is ok to use as needed when stress makes my bp go up.. my fasting glucose today was 94.. yesterday after I ate it was 113..can anxiety cause the dizzy spell? Thanks again!!!

Am I lacking something else when I have these dizzy spells? I mostly eat vegetables no meat.. could it be lack of protein? I have had two spells both when dieting when I have not eaten much for most of the day.. thanks again!!!!
doctor
Answered by Dr. salah saad shoman (31 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Yes

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

You will need a daily follow up on your blood pressure level to determine if you will need daily antihypertensive medication or not. It is important to keep your blood pressure steady within uniform values as fluctuations of the blood pressure levels can be the cause of your dizzy spells.

Another cause when you don't eat much is depletion of liver glycogen stores which can cause dizziness, fatigue and sleepiness.

Also, I would recommend that you get an ear examination to exclude inner ear disorders such as labyrinthitis as a cause of your dizzy spells.

If all these causes were excluded then it might be due to anxiety or panic attacks but this diagnosis should only be considered if all other causes were excluded.

Hope I have answered your query.

Regards,
Dr. Salah Saad Shoman, Internal Medicine Specialist
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana
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Answered by
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Dr. salah saad shoman

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 3153 Questions

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What Causes Dizziness While Skipping Meals?

Brief Answer: A possible diabetes Detailed Answer: Hi, I understand your concerns but feeling extremely dizzy when skipping meals could be a sign of underlying diabetes, so I would recommend that you take a blood test for fasting and postprandial blood glucose levels together with an HB A1c blood test to assess you glycemic state. As for the blood pressure, it is only mildly elevated but the chronic mild elevation of the blood pressure can cause serious heart or brain complications. So, I would recommend that cut off on the salt content of your diet, exercise by walking half an hour daily and try to lose excess weight. These lifestyle adjustments could optimize your blood pressure... but if they fail then you will need to visit your doctor for a prescription for antihypertensive medication. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Salah Saad Shoman, Internal Medicine Specialist