How to Treat Reactive Hypoglycemia

Reactive hypoglycemia is when the blood sugar is too low. This usually happens from one to three hours after eating a meal. If you have reactive hypoglycemia you may or may not have diabetes. There are a number of known symptoms such as hunger, shakiness, weakness, perspiration, confusion, anxiety and nervousness. However, these symptoms are the same for a number of other conditions making it difficult to diagnose. Once it is diagnosed, here is how to treat reactive hypoglycemia.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Avoid all desserts, regular soda and any other food items that contain elemental sugar, especially on an empty stomach. These food items can trigger a reactive hypoglycemic attack.
2. Eliminate caffeine from your diet. Caffeine keeps people awake due to the increase in blood glucose.
3. Eat more often; frequent snacks will help to cut back or eliminate attacks. Usually about every three hours is best. Good snack choices include high-fiber snacks, whole grains, fresh vegetables and protein such as peanuts or cheese. Snacks that can be slowly digested are best.
4. Exercise often and on a regular basis but be sure to eat. When you exercise for an extended period of time you must replenish your glucose production by eating.
5. Keep alcohol consumption to a minimum. If you do have an alcoholic beverage be sure to have a snack with it. The snack will help reduce your chance of having a hypoglycemic attack.

Tips & Warnings

• Meet with a registered dietitian for meal planning ideas.
• Keep some high-protein snacks such as peanuts in your purse, car or at work in case of an attack.
• Seek professional help if you are experiencing any of these symptoms for proper diagnosis and treatment.