Reactive hypoglycemia is a type of low blood sugar seen in people who do not have diabetes. It usually occurs within 4 hours after eating, with the regular symptoms of hypoglycemia -- hunger, irritability, confusion, shakiness, dizziness and fatigue. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases the causes of reactive hypoglycemia are open to debate. Some scientists believe it's caused by a sensitivity to the hormone epinephrine, while others believe it's a deficiency of glucagon. Two certain causes of reactive hypoglycemia are gastric bypass surgery, which causes food to pass too rapidly into the small intestine and a rare genetic enzyme deficiency. A blood glucose test lower than 70 mg/dL will confirm that you have reactive hypoglycemia. Prevent and treat reactive hypoglycemia by supplementing your diet with more snacks and fewer simple carbohydrates.
Step 1
Avoid simple carbohydrates. Although falling blood sugar may trigger a craving for sweets, it is better to eat high-fiber complex carbohydrates. Simple sugars will cause your glucose levels to rise and fall very quickly, which may lead to rebound hypoglycemia.
Step 2
Eat a combination of complex carbohydrate, healthy fat and protein every three hours. Adding protein and fat slows down your body's digestion of the carbohydrate. Try snacking on yogurt with fruit, nut butters and whole grain crackers or half a turkey sandwich.
Step 3
Moderate your alcohol intake. Watch out for hidden sugars in your beverages -- soda, tea, lemonade and specialty coffees may contain simple carbohydrates that will raise your glucose levels and precipitate a bout of reactive hypoglycemia.
Tips and Warnings
- Maintaining a healthy body weight, not smoking and regular exercise may all improve reactive hypoglycemia.
- Reactive hypoglycemia may be caused by an underlying illness; speak to your doctor about your symptoms.
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