Postprandial or reactive hypoglycemia occurs when the blood sugar drops below normal levels after eating. The body cannot process carbohydrates as it should. This generally occurs two to four hours after eating. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, the difficulty in identifying the causes of postprandial hypoglycemia lies in the many possible factors resulting in this condition. No concrete diagnostic criteria exist because of the variability of causes.
Medications
Certain diabetes medications such as insulin or oral anti-diabetic pills can result in a low blood sugar if taken incorrectly. According to the Merck online medical library, other medications such as beta blockers and certain antibiotics such as bactrim, may potentially cause postprandial hypoglycemia in some people.
Illnesses or Surgeries
Alimentary reactive hypoglycemia occurs in people that have had gastrointestinal surgery which can sometimes cause food to quickly pass through the gastrointestinal tract. Examples of surgeries include gastric bypass for weight loss; the severing of the vagus nerve that helps in the treatment of peptic ulcers and/or a gastrectomy, a partial or full removal of the stomach. In addition to the structural changes from the surgery, the hormonal balance within the digestive system will be altered as well, says MayoClinic.com. Various cancers or tumors might also change the physiology of the body resulting in low blood sugar after eating.
Endocrine Deficiences
According to Maria Collazo-Clavell, M.D, researchers are separately investigating the body's sensitivity to epinephrine, the "fight or flight" hormone and glucagon. The hormone glucagon triggers a release of glucose from the liver and back into the blood to bring blood sugar levels back to normal. Other possible causes of postprandial hypoglycemia occur if the pancreas produces too much insulin, adrenal insufficiency, conditions effecting the pituitary gland, kidney or liver failure.
Symptoms and Treatment of Low Blood Sugar
The American Diabetes Association says that symptoms of low blood sugar may include the following: shakiness, dizziness, nausea, sweating, hunger and headache. To prevent these symptoms, the American Dietetic Association recommends eating at regular intervals throughout the day. It is important to eat something every three to five hours to prevent blood sugar from going too low and to focus on high-fiber foods like fruits and whole grain breads. Avoiding or limiting foods high in refined sugar in addition to establishing a regular exercise routine will also help to maintain a healthy blood sugar level.
