Food And Exercises To Avoid Hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia can affect anyone; however, it is most common if you have diabetes. It is characterized by a blood glucose less than 70 mg/dL. Low blood glucose can be caused by a reduction of glucose caused by too much insulin, too little food or too much exercise. There are steps you can take to avoid a hypoglycemic situation, including eating certain foods.

Treating Hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia needs to be treated quickly to avoid a serious health emergency. The food that you choose to eat to treat it should be digested and absorbed as fast as possible. Simple carbohydrates combined with liquid empty out of the stomach faster than solids. Once in the small intestine, food is readily absorbed into the bloodstream. Combining a simple carbohydrate with liquid allows for quick absorption by the body.

Foods To Eat

If you think you are suffering from hypoglycemia, check your blood sugar. If it is below 70 mg/dL, you need to consume food to bring it back up. According to the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse, effective foods for treating hypoglycemia include 4 oz. of fruit juice, 4 oz. of non-diet soda, 8 oz. of milk, hard candy or a tablespoon of sugar or honey. If you are at risk for developing hypoglycemia, carry an appropriate snack with you at all times in order to avoid a dangerous situation.

Treating Hypoglycemia

After you eat the recommended amount of food to treat hypoglycemia, further steps need to be taken to assure your glucose is back up to a healthy range. Once you eat a small snack to increase your blood sugar, wait 15 minutes and test your blood sugar again. If you glucose is still less than 70 mg/dL, eat another small snack and wait 15 minutes until testing again. Repeat until your blood glucose has risen above 70 mg/dL. If you find yourself suffering from chronic bouts of hypoglycemia, contact your doctor. He may want to change your course of treatment.

Meal Planning

Planning out your meals can help you avoid suffering from hypoglycemia. Try to avoid skipping meals. Eating meals at regular times throughout the day can help regulate your blood sugar. In addition, small snacks between meals can help maintain a healthy blood glucose. If you plan on exercising, compensate by increasing your food intake before you begin. You may also consider checking your blood glucose after exercise to be sure it is still in a healthy range.