HYPOGLYCEMIA
FOODS THAT HEAL
FOODS TO LIMIT
WHO’S AFFECTED
Hypoglycemia, also known as low blood sugar, is characterized by low levels of glucose, the body’s main source of energy
It occurs when the amount of insulin in the blood exceeds the amount needed to metabolize the available glucose in the body
The condition may occur when a person with diabetes takes too much insulin, but it can also happen under other circumstances, such as overconsumption of alcohol; taking large amounts of aspirin or acetaminophen, beta-blockers, and some antipsychotic drugs; or when tumors develop that secrete insulin
Symptoms include confusion, abnormal behavior, double vision, heart palpitations, shakiness, anxiety, sweating, and hunger
While less common, the person may have a seizure or lose consciousness
One condition called reactive hypoglycemia occurs when blood sugar levels plummet 1 to 2 hours after a meal
Symptoms include dizziness, headache, trembling, palpitations, and irritability
This uncommon condition can only be diagnosed by monitoring blood glucose levels after ingestion of a known dose of glucose
Nutrition Connection
Prevent episodes of hypoglycemia with these dietary tips: Eat small, frequent meals that are balancedAn even mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins will help your body metabolize the foods slowly
Because they take longer than sugars to be digested and converted into glucose, they allow for a steady release of energy
Eat foods rich in fiber
Include foods that are higher in soluble fiber such as lentils, oats, barley, apples, and citrus fruits since they are absorbed more slowly
Choose whole grains (such as whole wheat bread) over refined grains (such as white bread or pasta) as often as possible
Eat foods with a low glycemic index (GI), or load (GL)
GI and GL are measurements of how readily foods are converted to blood glucose
Focus on foods that help blood sugar levels remain stable
They include apples, kidney beans, lentils, oats, barley, and bran
Avoid sweets
Candies, cookies, and anything loaded with sugar can be a potential problem
Consumed by themselves, they spike up your blood glucose levels and cause the body to pump out more insulin, which eventually leads to hypoglycemia
Avoid excessive drinking
Excessive alcohol consumption can cause hypoglycemia because the body’s breakdown of alcohol interferes with the liver’s efforts to raise blood glucose
This type of hypoglycemia can be very serious or even fatal
Address insulin reactions as soon as possible
A serious type of hypoglycemia occurs when someone with diabetes takes more insulin than is needed to metabolize the available glucose
The onset of symptoms of an insulin reaction—hunger, tingling sensations, sweating, faintness, impaired vision, mood changes, palpitations, and a cold, clammy sensation—can be reversed by immediately eating a tablespoonful of sugar or honey, sucking on a hard candy, or drinking a small glass (about ½ cup or 125 mL) of orange juice or a smal sugary drink
Beyond the Diet
Hypoglycemia may require medical attentionA doctor can run tests to determine the cause of hypoglycemia and then treat the condition or the underlying medical problem
Sepsis, obesity, alcohol abuse, and hormonal changes can be an underlying cause of hypoglycemia
Importance of well balance diet
