Hypoglycemia is an endocrine condition characterized by a low level of glucose, or sugar, in the bloodstream. It is the result of complex processes involving food and the body's response to it. The hormone adrenaline causes the unpleasant symptoms associated with low blood glucose, relates Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology.
Symptoms
Many people with hypoglycemia don't realize their symptoms are indicative of a medical condition that is treatable with diet and sometimes medication or surgery. Hypoglycemia can make you feel extremely hungry, weak, shaky, irritable and pale. It can also give you a headache and make you break out in a sweat, explains the University of Maryland Medical Center. You may become dizzy, confused, nervous or moody. Your heart may feel as though it is racing, and you may experience double vision or blurry vision. Severe hypoglycemia can lead to coma, seizures or death.
Causes
Hypoglycemia is often a temporary condition that happens when a person with diabetes takes an amount of insulin or other diabetes medication that is out of proportion with his food intake, causing his blood glucose level to fall below normal. Frequent episodes of hypoglycemia may be caused by a number of conditions, including a tumor, a psychological problem, liver disease or a response to medication. Frequent hypoglycemia in a non-diabetic is sometimes found to be from the body's failure to regulate glucose levels properly. This type of hypoglycemia may be controlled by dietary changes.
Foods Generally Allowed
Several types of food are generally recommended on the hypoglycemic diet. Protein foods are encouraged, as long as they don't contain excessive amounts of fat. This includes fish, seafood, poultry, lean beef, lean pork, seeds, nuts, lentils and beans. Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology recommends eating eggs but limiting them to four per week.
Complex carbohydrates are also allowed. These include potatoes, whole grain cereal without extra sugar, whole-grain rolls, whole-grain breads, oatmeal, rice and pasta. Fruits and vegetables are usually allowed as long as they are prepared without sugar or excessive amounts of fat. Some individuals become hypoglycemic after eating fruit and have to limit the quantity they eat. Whole grains, fruits and vegetables are high in fiber, which can help maintain a normal blood glucose level.
Foods Generally Limited
Simple carbohydrates, such as sugar, corn syrup and honey are discouraged because they can cause blood sugar to rise quickly, then fall dramatically. Fatty foods are often limited or eliminated from the diet entirely. White flour, alcohol and caffeine often cause hypoglycemic episodes in susceptible individuals, according to the Hypoglycemia Support Foundation. Foods and drinks containing these ingredients are often limited or forbidden on a hypoglycemic diet.
Tips
Eat several small meals each day, rather than two or three large ones. Lose weight if you are overweight or obese. Ask your physician if you should use a sugar substitute. The Hypoglycemia Support Foundation suggests that you write down all the foods you eat for about a week so you can determine which foods trigger your hypoglycemia. You may be able to limit these foods and otherwise eat a normal diet. Always follow your physician's advice regarding your diet, and ask questions about any topics that aren't clear.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Endocrinology Health Guide: Hypoglycemia
- Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology: Hypoglycemia
- The Hypoglycemia Support Foundation: Hypo Diet
- "Medical-Surgical Nursing;" Donna Ignatavicius, M.S., R.N. and Linda Workman, Ph.D., R.N.; 2002
