Hereditary Fructose Intolerance

I have no definitive answers yet as to why my son and I both have reactive hypoglycemia. However, a spate of recent tests gave us some clues, including lab work that may indicate Hereditary Fructose Intolerance.

My latest test results came back with hypocholesterolemia (low cholesterol) and high insulin levels. Seeing as I’m at a low risk of diabetes (I’m an ovo-vegan, I’m not overweight, no family history etc.) this painted a puzzling picture when combined with the fact that Leo and I both have the same symptoms. According the the authors of Inherited Metabolic Diseases
, hypocholesterolemia is one of the hallmarks of Hereditary Fructose Intolerance. Perhaps the most important piece of information I gleaned from the book is that 30% to 50% of patients with Hereditary Fructose Intolerance also have reactive hypoglycemia!

There is the small matter of elevated insulin levels. Hereditary Fructose Intolerance in later life can have a “blurred” picture as far as lab tests go. According to my reading so far, it’s a tricky disease to diagnose. Right now I am going to try out a fructose free diet for a few weeks and see if symptoms improve.

Part of me wants it not to be Hereditary Fructose Intolerance–Leo does love his fruit!

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