Hypoglycemia refers to a sudden drop in blood glucose levels that can be life-threatening. Glucose is the main source of energy for the brain and body. Hypoglycemia is common in patients with diabetes. Hypoglycemia can also be caused by illnesses such as fever, liver disease and tumors, according to the Gicare website. Hypoglycemia is a dangerous condition that can lead to coma and death, but proper management of hypoglycemia especially in diabetics can prevent complications.
Hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemia is caused by a lack of adequate food intake, fasting, oral diabetic medications, quinine, excessive alcohol consumption, hepatitis, kidney disorders, eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia and pancreas tumors, according to MayoClinic. Diabetics may also experience hypoglycemia when they take too much insulin or exercise without increasing food intake. Hypoglycemia may also occur after meals in patients who have had gastric bypass surgery
Symptoms of Hypoglycemia and Treatment
Patients with hypoglycemia experience symptoms such as sweating, anxiety, irritability, hunger, heart palpitations, confusion, irritability, blurry vision, seizures and coma. Diabetics who experience these symptoms should consume food or take glucose tablets if food is not readily available. Glucose tablets or other high sugar food should be used for immediate treatment of hypoglycemia. For diabetic coma, glucagon injections or intravenous glucose are used to correct the hypoglycemia. Patients with hypoglycemia caused by underlying medical conditions should seek treatment to correct the disorders.
Balanced Meals
In order to avoid recurrent episodes of hypoglycemia, patients should consume regular balanced meals. Consuming small frequent meals helps prevent the blood sugar from getting too low. Patients should consume plenty of complex carbohydrates and proteins because they take longer to digest, which helps prevent blood glucose levels from dropping, according to Gicare.com. Examples of complex carbohydrates include whole grains such as whole wheat bread and cereals, brown rice and beans.
Soluble Fiber Foods
Patients at risk for hypoglycemia should increase soluble fiber, according to Gicare.com. Soluble fiber is very important for preventing hypoglycemia because it delays stomach emptying, digestion and absorption of glucose, according to Gicare.com. Examples of sources of solubles fiber include beans, oats, lentils and fresh fruits with the skins on.
