Hypoglycemia Diet Tips

Hypoglycemia is a condition in which blood sugars measure less than 70 mg/dL. Blood sugars at this level can be harmful to you, causing unconsciousness and coma, according to Medline Plus. Hypoglycemia most often occurs in people with diabetes due to complications related to medications and poor dietary intake. Idiopathic hypoglycemia occurs without a known cause and is unrelated to diabetes. Diet can play a role in both preventing and treating hypoglycemia. Discuss treatment options with your doctor.

Eat More Complex Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates in food affect blood sugar. Simple carbohydrates, such as those found in table sugar and sweets, break down quickly and are rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream. Some people's bodies cannot handle this rapid surge in blood sugar and release too much insulin leading to a reactive hypoglycemia. To prevent this rapid surge and drop in blood sugar, you should choose to eat complex carbohydrates. Complex carbohydrates take the body longer to digest, allowing for a slower release of sugar into the bloodstream. Complex carbohydrates include bread, pasta and rice.

Eat Foods High in Fiber

Fiber is the indigestible part of a plant. Fiber in food, namely soluble fiber, delays stomach emptying and slows down digestion. Because fiber takes the body longer to digest, it slows the release of sugar into the bloodstream and can help to prevent hypoglycemia in between meals, according to Jackson-Siegelbaum Gastroenterology Group. Foods high in fiber include whole grains, whole fruits and vegetables.

Eat Small, Frequent Meals

Eating small, frequent meals with a consistent amount of complex carbohydrates can help provide a steady dose of sugar preventing hypoglycemic episodes. Aim for three small meals and three snacks a day. The McKinley Health Center suggests you eat a meal or snack every two to three hours to prevent hypoglycemia.

Include Protein or Fat with Your Complex Carbohydrates

Protein and fats also take the body longer to digest, slowing the release of sugar into the bloodstream. Each meal and snack should contain a portion of protein or fat along with your complex carbohydrates to prevent hypoglycemia. Examples include a bowl of whole grain cereal with milk, whole wheat bread with peanut butter and chicken with a baked potato.

Treating Hypoglycemia

If you are feeling shaky, hungry and sweaty you may be experiencing mild hypoglycemia, according to "Krause's Food, Nutrition and Diet Therapy." Headaches, confusion and seizures may indicate a more severe hypoglycemia. Treat hypoglycemia by immediately eating 15 g of a simple carbohydrate, such as glucose tablets, 1/2 cup of juice or regular soda or 1 tbsp. of table sugar. Check blood sugars 15 minutes after your carbohydrate meal. If your blood sugar remains less than 70 mg/dL, consume another 15 g of a simple carbohydrate. Repeat this process until your blood sugar returns to normal. Increase your carbohydrate intake to 30 g if your next meal or snack is more than an hour away, according to "Krause's Food, Nutrition and Diet Therapy."