The sugar in your blood gives your body energy. Hypoglycemia occurs when the amount of sugar in the blood is too low, according to Olin Health Center at Michigan State University. If you are prone to hypoglycemia, a special diet can help you maintain blood sugar levels by slowing down the rate at which your body absorbs glucose from food, according to the health center.
Soluble Fiber
Soluble fiber, found in fibrous coatings of plant foods such as oats, legumes and some fruits, dissolves in water and creates a gel in your digestive tract, according to Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology online. Soluble fiber slows glucose absorption, digestion and stomach emptying, helping to reduce chances of having hypoglycemia symptoms between meals. To get additional soluble fiber in your diet, eat oatmeal for breakfast, include beans in meals and choose fresh fruits over fruit juice.
Carbohydrates
Simple carbohydrates are foods high in sugar, including table sugar, honey, molasses and sweet treats such as cookies, cakes, pastries and soda, according to Olin Health Center. Simple carbohydrates break down quickly in your bloodstream. This can cause your blood sugar levels to dip dramatically after you've eaten, according to Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology online. Instead, choose complex carbohydrates such as breads, pasta, rice, legumes and vegetables. They absorb at a slower pace and don't cause rapid blood sugar fluctuations, advises Olin Health Center.
Frequent Snacking
An important facet of a diet for low blood sugar is frequency of eating. Skipping meals and eating large amounts of food at once can cause rapid spikes and dips in your blood sugar levels. Eat three balanced meals per day and snack between meals, recommends Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology online. You may need to eat six small meals a day, rather than three large meals, and a few small snacks if you continue to have low blood sugar.
Limits
In addition to cutting back on simple sugars, cut back on caffeine and alcoholic beverages. Caffeine can produce symptoms similar to hypoglycemia, and alcohol lowers your blood sugar levels, according to Olin Health Center. Also, reduce your intake of fat. A diet rich in fat can interfere with your body's ability to regulate blood sugar properly, the health center advises.
Emergency Sugar
Have easy access to quick-fix simple sugars just in case you need to combat a dramatic dip in blood sugar. Foods such as three or four glucose tablets, a cup of milk, a half-cup of non-diet soda or fruit juice, or a tablespoon of honey, will increase your blood glucose immediately. They also will ward off dangerous symptoms such as confusion, shakiness, dizziness and anxiety, reports the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.
