Low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, occurs when blood glucose drops below normal levels in the body. Hypoglycemia can occur in people with diabetes or as a result of postprandial hypoglycemia (occurring within four hours after a meal) or fasting hypoglycemia (often related to an underlying disease). Carbohydrates are the main source of glucose in the diet. Carbohydrate-rich foods include breads, rice, pasta, potatoes, cereals, milk and milk products, fruits and desserts made with added sugar.
Stick With Whole Grains
Sweetened bread products made with added table sugar such as doughnuts, pastries, sweetened cereals and glazed rolls should be avoided. Instead, opt for high-fiber grains such as enriched or whole grain breads, whole wheat pasta, whole grain cereals, whole wheat crackers and other whole wheat bread products. Soluble fiber found in high-fiber foods delays stomach emptying, digestion and absorption of glucose to help control hypoglycemic symptoms between meals.
Meats and Dairy
Meat products such as poultry, fish and lean beef are recommended, as are nonmeat protein sources such as nuts and seeds. Low-fat dairy products are also recommended, such as skim or low-fat milk, low-fat cheese and artificially sweetened yogurt. Whole milk, ice cream and milk products made with added sugar should be avoided.
Fruits and Vegetables
Carbohydrates are naturally found in fruits. When making fruit choices, choose whole fruits and avoid canned fruit or fruit juices with added sugars. Fruit canned in natural juice or water, or fruits canned with sugar substitutes, are acceptable. Whole and cooked vegetables are allowed. Avoid vegetables that are deep fried or have a glaze topping.
Beverages
Caffeine stimulates the production of adrenaline and can make symptoms of hypoglycemia worse. Also, avoided sweetened fruit juices and other beverages made with added sugar. Instead choose decaffeinated coffee, tea and diet soda and opt for unsweetened fruit juices. Beverages made with sugar substitutes are acceptable.
Fats, Oils and Other Foods
High-fat oils that contain saturated fat and products made with high-fat oils should be avoided. Instead, choose unsaturated vegetable oils--such as corn, safflower, sesame, soybean, sunflower, peanut, canola or olive--and products made with these oils. Table sugar, candy, cookies, jellies, jams, gelatin and other sweets with added table sugar should be avoided. Sweeteners such as sorbitol, sucralose (Splenda) and aspartame (NutraSweet) may be used on a low blood sugar diet.
