Episode 146: Why Your Brain Panics During a Low (And What to Do About It)

Show Notes

Low blood sugar doesn’t just mess with your body, it hijacks your brain. That’s why perfectly reasonable people suddenly feel urgent, frantic, and out of control when their numbers drop.

In this episode, we break down what’s actually happening in your brain during a low, why decision-making falls apart so fast, and why the instinct to overeat feels impossible to stop in the moment. This isn’t about discipline or willpower. It’s about biology doing exactly what it was designed to do… just not in a modern diabetes world.

Once you understand why your brain reacts this way, you can build systems that work with it instead of expecting calm, logical choices when your glucose is crashing.

What You Can Do Today

Notice how your thoughts change when your blood sugar starts dropping.
 Pay attention to urgency, fear, or “I need to fix this now” thinking.
 Decide one simple rule for lows ahead of time, so your brain doesn’t have to improvise.

Plan beats panic.

Resources

Helpful resources and newsletter:
 https://yourbestt1dyear.com

Sponsor Connect

Blue Circle Health offers free coaching and care that fits real life for adults with type 1 diabetes. Their team helps with insulin adjustments, CGM support, burnout, and the mental load of diabetes, without fighting the healthcare system alone.
 Sign up free at:
 https://bluecirclehealth.org

Connect

TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@the.betes
Instagram: https://instagram.com/thebetes
Facebook: https://facebook.com/neilgreathouse
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/neil-greathouse-a607b912
Website: https://yourbestt1dyear.com

Books on Amazon

Type 1 Diabetes – One Day at a Time
 https://a.co/d/6UHooWJ

Type 1 Diabetes – True Stories
 https://a.co/d/dfIlyI1