Kabir’s Skipped Meals

Kabir Sheikh, thirty-five, drove a delivery van in Hyderabad. His days ran on tea and biscuits, with a large meal late at night. Lately he had been snapping at his wife, feeling shaky and sweaty by mid-afternoon, and thirsty all the time. He woke at night to pass urine, and his vision blurred sometimes. He put it down to stress and tried to ignore it.

One afternoon he nearly lost his temper with a customer, then sat in the van with his heart pounding and his hands trembling. A fellow driver gave him a banana and juice, and within minutes he felt calmer. 'Your sugar probably dropped,' he said. 'You should get it checked.'

The clinic tests showed that his blood sugar was running high overall and swinging up and down. The doctor explained that blood sugar is the brain's main fuel, and that when it rises or falls sharply, mood, energy, thinking and temper can all change. She talked about diabetes, regular meals, and a plan with a dietitian, and made sure Kabir knew what to do if he felt shaky.

Kabir started eating at regular times, packing simple food and walking after dinner. His temper settled, and his wife said she had her husband back. 'I thought I was becoming angry by nature,' he said. 'It was partly my body.'

How to recognise it

Irritability, shakiness, sweating, headache or anxiety a few hours after meals or when meals are skipped.
Extreme thirst, frequent urination, tiredness or blurred vision.
Mood and energy that swing during the day, often settling after eating.
Poor concentration or confusion when hungry.
A family history of diabetes or weight gain around the waist.

What this story explains

The chapter's section on blood sugar explains that the brain depends on steady fuel, and that swings can mimic anxiety, anger and low mood. Regular meals and medical review help.

Probable root causes

Irregular meals, long gaps and high sugar or refined foods.
Diabetes or pre-diabetes, which may run in the family.
Low physical activity and weight gain.
Stress, which raises blood sugar, and poor sleep.

What to do

Eat at regular times and include protein, vegetables and whole grains.
Keep a safe snack for emergencies if you tend to feel shaky.
Get your blood sugar tested if you have thirst, frequent urination or mood swings after meals.
Follow your doctor and dietitian's plan if diabetes is confirmed.
Walk after meals and sleep regularly.

Whom to consult

Family doctor for a blood sugar test when symptoms of thirst, tiredness or shakiness appear.
Diabetes specialist or endocrinologist if blood sugar is high or unstable.
Dietitian for a practical plan for work and family life.
Counsellor or psychiatrist if anger, anxiety or low mood continue after blood sugar is controlled.

Do and don’t

Do	Don’t
Do keep meals regular.	Don't skip meals and then binge late at night.
Do carry healthy snacks.	Don't depend on sugary drinks for energy.
Do notice patterns between hunger and mood.	Don't ignore constant thirst or tiredness.
Do follow medical advice on diabetes.	Don't change diabetes treatment on your own.
Do get regular check-ups.	Don't treat anger only as a character flaw.

How to behave and communicate

Say with kindness: 'I have noticed you get shaky and snappy when you have not eaten. Shall we get it checked?'
Avoid shaming about food: 'Let's find something simple that works for your days.'
Pause an argument if the person seems very hungry or unwell, and return when they have eaten.
Listen to their description of body feelings.
Encourage rather than monitor every bite.