Reactive Hypoglycemia
| Author: Judy Kohn, RN, BSN, CDE |
| Last Updated: Friday, March 31, 2006 |
Q: "I am hypoglycemic and am looking for information about this problem. Different physicians have done tests and all have come out the same, but I have received very little advice on how to handle the problem. Can you suggest reference materials for me?"
A: I'm assuming you're referring to the term reactive hypoglycemia, which is not related to diabetes. This term refers to the situation where the blood glucose (blood sugar) falls too low within a few hours after eating. This may occur because, in some people, too much insulin is released in response to a meal and the insulin lowers the blood glucose too much.
Symptoms may include: sweating, trembling, feeling warm, difficulty speaking, drowsiness, dizziness, inability to concentrate, confusion, anxiety, nausea, headaches, hunger. Note that anxiety and stress can also cause some of these symptoms.
Factors that can trigger reactive hypoglycemia:
- Poor eating habits, such as skipping meals, or eating excessive amounts of carbohydrate foods (especially sweets, such as candy, pastries, regular soft drinks, and simple sugar foods).
- Drinking alcohol on an empty stomach or after exercise.
No one really knows why some people are more sensitive to the above triggers, although often this condition tends to get better over time.
Suggestions for a well-balanced meal plan to help resolve reactive hypoglycemia:
- Avoid foods that contain large amounts of carbohydrate, such as: regular soft drinks, candy, syrup, cakes, pies, regular fruited yogurt, and doughnuts.
- Avoid beverages and foods that contain caffeine as caffeine can sometimes cause the same symptoms as hypoglycemia.
- Limit or avoid alcoholic beverages-if you do choose to drink, always have food with the drink.
- Don't skip meals.
- Have 3 small meals with 2-3 small snacks in-between.
Most importantly, since your physician diagnosed this condition, I'd recommend you first request a referral to a dietitian who can assess your particular eating habits and situation, and recommend the appropriate meal plan. If you're having difficulty finding a dietitian, you can check out the American Dietetic Association's Nationwide Nutrition Network web site for basic nutritional information as well as a dietitian in your area. Sometimes, dietitians who are certified diabetes educators also counsel people with reactive hypoglycemia. You can therefore also call 1-800-TEAMUP4 for names and contact information for up to three diabetes educators in your area or you can go to the website of the American Association of Diabetes Educators (AADE).
Related Links
American Dietetic Association's Nationwide Nutrition Network
http://www.eatright.org
America Association of Diabetes Educators (AADE)
http://www.diabeteseducator.org
National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse (NDIC)
http://diabetes.niddk.nih.gov
Important Notice: The responses provided by the team of Diabetes Educators are based on their personal experiences and expertise as practicing diabetes healthcare professionals, and are not to be considered diabetes management advice from Abbott Laboratories. Remember that information provided by the team of Diabetes Educators is for general background purposes and is not intended as a substitute for medical diagnosis or treatment by a trained professional. You should always consult your physician about any healthcare questions you may have, especially before trying a new medication, diet, fitness program, or approach to healthcare issues.
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