Diabetes is a serious medical condition in which a person lacks insulin, or their body does not recognize its own insulin, which normally moves blood sugar from the blood stream into the cells where it is needed. Some diabetics take medicine, while others are given only a special diet to follow. Diabetics need to pay extra attention to the foods they eat, as eating too many carbohydrates at one time could lead to nutrient-induced diabetic reactions, also called side effects.
Fatigue
One of the most common symptoms of a nutrient-induced diabetic reaction is fatigue. The website, Ask the Dietitian states that eating a meal high in carbohydrates tends to make diabetics feel sleepy. Carbohydrates include bread, pasta, rice, bagels and fruit. If a diabetic eats too many carbohydrates and begins to feel tired and weak, Ask the Dietitian recommends eating some protein such as an egg or peanut butter to stabilize blood sugar levels.
Jitters
A shaky, jittery feeling, often referred to as tremors, is common among diabetics who eat a food that pushes their blood sugar levels out of a normal range. The American Heart Association explains that when a diabetic eats too many carbohydrates, their blood sugar levels can spike and then drop, causing hypoglycemia. In a hypoglycemic state, diabetics tend to sweat and experience tremors.
Blurred Vision
When a diabetic person eats too many carbohydrates, another nutrient-induced reaction they can experience is blurred vision. The reason for blurred vision is unknown, yet it is as common as other symptoms such as dizziness and a pale color to the skin. Blurred vision usually occurs once blood sugar levels have dropped too low after a blood sugar spike. The website, Ask the Dietitian states that very low blood sugar levels can be corrected by either taking a medication, or a small amount of carbohydrates such as a four ounce glass of orange juice or a few hard candies.
Fainting
Diabetics who eat the wrong foods, causing their blood sugars to increase to dangerous levels may even pass out, or faint, shortly after eating those foods. This can be a result of a build up of glucose in the blood stream, so high that the body can no longer function. Diabetics who faint should not be given food in attempt to get them out of their state, as they may choke. Instead, someone should call 911 for a diabetic who passes out.
