Hypoglycemia – How it Affects Our Lives

Have you noticed that when you (or a loved-one) wait too long between meals, you become irritable, confused, nauseated or fatigued? That means you?re most likely experiencing symptoms of postprandial hypoglycemia.

What is postprandial hypoglycemia?

Postprandial hypoglycemia (also known as ?Reactive hypoglycemia?) translates as ?Low blood sugar which occurs after eating?. In postprandial hypoglycemia, a non-diabetic person experiences reoccurring symptoms similar to those of medical hypoglycemia. Medical hypoglycemia is a state where there are abnormally low levels of glucose in the blood, resulting in an inadequate supply of it to the brain.

What causes hypoglycemia?

Postprandial hypoglycemia usuallymanifests about 4 hours after consuming a large carbohydrate meal or a high consumption of glucose. Healthy adults maintain a blood glucose level of around four mmol/L when between meals. If the level drops below four mmol/L, hypoglycemic symptoms may appear. The U.S. National Institute for Health (NIH) states that "The causes of most cases of reactive hypoglycemia are still open to debate. Some researchers suggest that certain people may be more sensitive to the body?s normal release of the hormone epinephrine, which causes many of the symptoms of hypoglycemia. Others believe deficiencies in glucagon secretion might lead to reactive hypoglycemia.?

Symptoms:

Double vision or blurry vision
 

Unclear thinking
 

Sleeping Trouble
 

Heart palpitation or fibrillation
 

Fatigue
 

Dizziness
 

Light-headedness
 

Sweating
 

Headaches
 

Depression
 

Nervousness
 

Muscle twitches
 

Irritability
 

Tremors
 

Flushing
 

Craving sweets
 

Increased appetite
 

Rhinitis
 

Nausea, vomiting
 

Panic attack
 

Numbness/coldness in the extremities
 

Confusion
 

Coma can be a result in severe untreated episodes

Treatment

Hypoglycemia – The Reason You’re so Grumpy
You can purchase a blood glucose meter in most pharmacies if you wish to test the levels of glucose in your blood.

The NIH recommends taking the following steps:
 

Eat small meals and snacks every 3 hours.
 

Avoid or limit sugar intake
 

Eat a variety of foods, including meat, poultry, fish, or nonmeat sources of protein, foods such as whole-grains, fruits, vegetables, and dairy products
Prefer high-fiber foods
 

Regular Exercise (exercise increases sugar uptake which decrease excessive insulin release)

Foods you should avoid:

Sugar (white / dark)
 

Honey and molasses
 

Corn, rice, maple and fruit syrups
 

Candies, cookies and chocolate
 

Cakes, pies, pastries and muffins
 

Milk, ice cream, frozen yogurt and pudding
 

Jelly, jam
 

Alcoholic beverages
 

Carbonated drinks
 

Caffeinated drinks
 

Potatoes, white rice
 

Noodles, pastas and spaghetti
 

Dried Fruit, grapes, figs, bananas, dates and plums
 

Grape and Prune Juice
 

Dishes containing corn starch and refined flour
 

Artificial sweeteners
 

Sweetened condiments
 

Starchy vegetables (like corn)

Foods that are good for you:
 

Wholegrain breads, cereals, crackers made with little and no sugars
 

Fresh fruits and vegetables
 

Decaff coffee and tea
 

Carbonated and regular water
 

Brown rice and whole grain pasta
 

Raw nuts, unsweetened nut butter
 

Organic poultry, meats, fish and shellfish

For more information, or if you suspect you might be suffering from hypoglycemia, consult with your family physician.