Hypoglycemia is a condition that results when your blood glucose levels drop below accepted levels, according to the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse. This can cause a number of adverse symptoms that can be life threatening if not treated. Your physician will likely recommend eating a diet designed to fight hypoglycemia symptoms.
Significance
Glucose is important to the body because it provides energy. In your diet, glucose is chiefly obtained from eating carbohydrates, such as potatoes, bread, tortillas and fruits. If your blood glucose levels fall, your body's tissues are signaled to break down stored glucose in order to restore balance. When these stores are depleted --- or when your body's glucose receptors do not work as well --- you experience adverse symptoms, such as confusion, clumsiness or fainting. However, symptoms can be severe, such as seizures, coma and even death.
Time Frame
Eating often is important for those with hypoglycemia because it allows you to maintain your blood sugar levels. Instead of eating three large meals a day, eat six small meals per day or snack in between your three meals in order to keep your blood sugar consistent, according to Glycemia Support Foundation.
Foods to Eat
Because carbohydrates contribute to glucose levels, they are an important part of your hypoglycemia diet. However, you should choose complex carbohydrates, which are digested more slowly by the body, allowing you to maintain steadier blood sugar levels, according to Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology. This includes foods such as pasta, grains and potatoes. Foods high in fiber, such as legumes, oats and wheat bran also are digested more slowly. Fruits are an additional source of fiber --- choose fresh fruits over canned fruits, which tend to have added sugar.
Foods to Avoid
Just as certain foods are beneficial to eat to reduce hypoglycemia, some foods should be avoided, according to the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse. Limit high-sugar desserts, such as cakes, cookies and pies. High-sugar foods should be especially avoided when you have not eaten as eating them on an empty stomach can cause your blood sugar to rise and fall dramatically. Other foods that should be avoided by those with hypoglycemia include foods made with white flour, alcohol and foods that contain caffeine. Be aware that your medications can contain caffeine --- review your prescriptions carefully.
Snacks
Snack foods are important to keep on hand for those who have hypoglycemia. If you observe symptoms of your blood sugar levels dropping --- such as weakness, headache or dizziness, you can access a quick-acting snack. Examples of foods that can quickly raise your blood sugar include one serving of glucose gel, one-half cup of fruit juice, one-half cup regular soda, one cup of milk, five or six pieces of hard candy and one tablespoon of sugar or honey, according to the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse. Wait 15 minutes. If your blood sugar has not increased, consider eating another snack.
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