With the rate of diabetes on the rise, we are concerned with increasing awareness about elevated blood glucose, but there is little information about low blood glucose. Low blood sugar, while less common in people not diagnosed with diabetes, is no less serious than high blood sugar. Low blood sugar usually happens during a fast, but when your blood sugar drops after a meal, it is called reactive hypoglycemia.
What is Reactive Hypoglycemia?
When we eat, our pancreas secretes insulin, a hormone that allows tissues to absorb glucose that has been released through digestion from our blood. This process works to keep our blood sugar stable, but if you experience shakiness and dizziness a couple hours after eating a meal and you are not a diabetic, then you could have reactive hypoglycemia. The National Institutes of Health defines reactive hypoglycemia as a blood sugar under 70 mg/dL with symptoms that occur up to four hours following a meal.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Signs and symptoms of reactive hypoglycemia are similar to a diabetic's hypoglycemia. It varies person to person, but the most common symptoms are hunger, confusion, dizziness, shakiness, weakness, cold sweats, irritability and blurred vision. To be diagnosed with reactive hypoglycemia your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and take a blood test to check for glucose concentration when you experience these symptoms. A blood glucose reading under 70 mg/dL when symptoms are present and the relief of symptoms after blood sugar returns to normal will confirm the diagnosis.
Unknown Causes
The National Institutes of Health say that the exact cause of reactive hypoglycemia is still up for debate. It could be that people who suffer from reactive hypoglycemia do not release enough glucagon, a hormone secreted by the pancreas that encourages glucose release from the liver to stabilize blood sugar. Another theory is that hypoglycemia symptoms are triggered by an individual's sensitivity to epinephrine, a hormone that is released in the body on a regular basis.
Known Causes
While some causes of reactive hypoglycemia are unknown, there are two confirmed reasons why reactive hypoglycemia occurs. The first is an enzyme deficiency triggered by a rare birth defect. Without certain enzymes, our bodies cannot convert various forms of carbohydrate into glucose, which is the only form of sugar our tissues can absorb. The other reason for reactive hypoglycemia is a side effect of stomach surgery. If you have had stomach surgery, digestion happens more rapidly, causing unpredictable drops in blood sugar.
Treatment and Prevention
When your blood sugar gets low, eating something with quick-acting sugar like fruit juice will bring it up the fastest, but prevention is even more important. A Mayo Clinic endocrinologist suggests adjusting the timing and composition of your meals. The key is to eat small meals throughout the day, about every three hours, and to eat a balance of protein, fat and carbohydrates at each of these meals. Steer clear of high-sugar foods, especially if your stomach is empty, and choose complex carbohydrates like whole-grain bread and pasta, brown rice and potatoes. Regular exercise will also help smooth out your blood sugars.
