Low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, is a common problem for those who use diabetes medications. Although other causes are less prevalent, endocrine deficiencies as well as liver and kidney disorders can also lead to hypoglycemia. Confusion, trembling and sweating are among the initial symptoms, but severely low blood sugar can cause you to lose consciousness. Planning your diet with your blood sugar level in mind can help you avoid these symptoms.
Diet and Blood Sugar
Low blood sugar refers to the blood's level of the sugar glucose. Glucose is the main source of energy for most of the body's cells and organs. The body gets glucose primarily from carbohydrates like grains, vegetables and dairy products. Although the hormones insulin and glucagon regulate blood sugar, when your diet provides an irregular supply of carbohydrates, you still risk running low on glucose. The risk is higher if you have a health condition or take medications that alter insulin or glucagon levels.
Foods to Avoid
Eliminate as much sugar and white flour from your diet as possible. Reduce the amount of fruit you eat and avoid all dried fruits. Also limit your consumption of fruit juice, which is high in sugar. Although lean meats are acceptable, stay away from processed meats like lunch meats. Avoid alcohol, tobacco products and caffeine sources like coffee and soft drinks. Even in limited amounts, caffeine can worsen hypoglycemia. Cut these foods and products from your diet gradually to avoid the adverse reactions that abrupt changes in your diet may cause.
Healthy Food Chocies
Build your diet around nutrient-rich, minimally processed foods. Base meals on high-fiber foods like vegetables, whole grains, beans and legumes as well as lean meats like skinless poultry. Choose fresh fruit over canned or otherwise processed fruit. Some people with hypoglycemia benefit from a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet. Such a diet might consist of 30 percent protein, 30 percent fats and 40 percent carbohydrates, advise experts from the University of Maryland. To help keep blood sugar stable, take 1 to 3 tsp. of a fiber supplement like flax seed or oat bran before meals.
Meal Scheduling
Eating at regular intervals can also help keep your blood sugar level stable. Instead of having three substantial meals each day, divide your usual amount of food into six smaller meals eaten throughout the day. Alternatively, have three main meals, but eat substantial snacks between meals. Keep the total amount you eat the same as your current amount to avoid gaining excess weight. Always eat breakfast to restore the blood sugar your body used overnight.
Developing Your Eating Plan
Hypoglycemia diets vary, although the central theme is eliminating sugar, refined flour, caffeine and alcohol. Finding the diet that works best for you may take some experimentation. For a week to 10 days, keep a diary of everything you eat and drink along with notes about your symptoms. Review your diary to see how your diet is affecting your hypoglycemia symptoms and adjust your diet accordingly.
