Millions of people are diagnosed with either Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association. Most diabetic patients require the use of prescription medications to lower blood sugar. The use of insulin and prescription oral medications in order to control blood glucose can excessively lower blood sugar, causing hypoglycemia. The risk may be higher in patients who also change their dietary habits with the purpose of losing weight, which is commonly recommended as a lifestyle modification in the treatment of diabetes, says MayoClinic.com.
Diabetes Type 1 and 2
Diabetes is a common metabolic disease that's characterized by the presence of high glucose levels within the blood. Chronic exposure to elevated blood sugars is a major risk factor for the development of heart disease, kidney failure, blindness, amputations and neuropathies. Type 1 diabetes is typically diagnosed at a young age and occurs as a result of the inability of the pancreas to produce insulin, a hormone that signals cells to absorb glucose from the bloodstream. Genetic abnormalities and autoimmune disorders of the pancreas may be the cause of Type 1 diabetes. In contrast, Type 2 diabetics have cells with low sensitivity and respond poorly to insulin. In either case, dietary glucose remains in the bloodstream, resulting in elevated blood sugar levels, according to the American Diabetes Association.
Low-Carb Diet and Low Glycemic Index Foods
An important component in the management of high blood sugars is to restrict the amount of carbohydrates that are obtained from the diet. Obesity is often associated with Type 2 diabetes, and restricting the amount of carbohydrates and calories in the diet can also promote weight loss. Although carbohydrates are an important part of balanced nutrition, diabetics should be consistent in the amount of carbohydrates they eat. According to a review published in the the Journal of the American College of Nutrition in 2004, James W. Anderson, M.D., and colleagues examined carbohydrate and fiber intake in diabetics and determined that carbohydrates should make up between 55 percent to 65 percent of the total daily calories. In addition, the review found that you should get carbohydrates from food sources such as prunes, yams, milks and bananas because they have a low glycemic index, resulting in a slower rate of blood glucose elevation, says the Journal of the American College of Nutrition.
Insulin
Because Type 1 diabetes is a result of insufficient insulin production, most Type 1 diabetics require the use of subcutaneous insulin therapy. Many different types of insulins and insulin regimens are used by diabetics to control blood sugar. Longer-acting insulins provide basal insulin coverage; short- and rapid-acting insulins provide peak coverage that's normally seen during meals. Unfortunately, the administration of insulin requires the use of subcutaneous injections or an insulin pump. Although patients with Type 2 diabetes may require insulin, many are able to control their blood sugar through the use of oral medications, according to the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse.
Hypoglycemia
Patients who use insulin or medications intended to lower blood sugar may experience hypoglycemia. Symptoms of low blood sugar include thirst, dizziness, confusion, lethargy, somnolence, headache, hunger and irritability. In severe cases, hypoglycemia can cause loss of consciousness and seizures that are life-threatening. Hypoglycemia can be a major medical emergency, and patients taking insulin or oral medications for diabetes should be educated about how to identify early symptoms of low blood sugar and the measures to take when they occur, according to the Mayo Clinic. Patients with concerns regarding diabetes and appropriate treatments should consult their physician.
References
- The Journal of the American College of Nutrition: "Carbohydrate and Fiber Recommendations for Individuals with Diabetes: A Quantitative Assessment and Meta-Analysis of the Evidence," Anderson JW, Randles KM, Kendall CW, et al. (Feb. 2004).
- American Diabetes Association: Type 1
- National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse: Types of Insulin
- MayoClinic.com: Hypoglycemia
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