Hypoglycemia is when blood sugar or blood glucose levels drop below normal levels. Hypoglycemia that's not related to diabetes is caused by the over-secretion of insulin from the pancreas, which can occur four hours after a meal or be due to an underlying condition. Symptoms can include hunger, sweating, shakiness, dizziness, light-headedness, sleepiness, confusion, difficulty speaking, anxiety and weakness. Diet remains the main treatment for hypoglycemia. Medications also are available. Contact your doctor if you are having any of these symptoms to have testing done and to determine the appropriate treatment for you.
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrate sources such as bread, rice, flour, tortillas, pasta, sugar, fruits and starchy vegetables supply the majority of glucose in the body. Carbs stimulate your pancreas to secrete insulin, which brings down your glucose to a healthy level. Concentrated carbs such as white bread, white pasta and white rice should be limited because they stimulate larger amounts of insulin to be secreted. Limit your carb intake to 35 to 40 percent of your daily calories and include whole grain sources and soluble fiber sources such as fruits and vegetables.
Protein
Protein sources include meats, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy products, nuts, seeds and dried beans. Protein stimulates insulin secretion from the pancreas, so it is not advisable to eat more than what your body needs to stay healthy. Eat the recommended daily amount of protein for your age and gender. Males and females over the age of 18 should consume 10 to 35 percent of your calories per day from protein. Protein can be further determined based on your weight, so if you have hypoglycemia, talk to a dietitian to determine the appropriate intake.
Fats
The remainder of your calories left over from carbs and protein should come from fats, which are found in oils, butters, margarine and shortening. Choosing the right types of fats to incorporate into your diet is important to keep your risk of heart disease down. Canola and olive oils contain monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which reduce your risk of disease. Spreadable or spray butters made with good fats and limited amounts of bad fats such as saturated and trans fat are available at grocery stores.
Meals and Snacks
If you have hypoglycemia, you should be eating small frequent meals or snacks throughout your day and before bed to prevent your blood glucose from falling. Eat a well-balanced meal each time you eat containing carbs, protein and fat to reduce your risk of low blood sugar. Keep snacks with you at all times, such as cheese and crackers, in case your blood sugar dips quickly. A registered dietitian can help determine the appropriate diet plan for your needs.
References
- Institute of Medicane: Daily Reference Intakes of Macronutrients
- "Nutriton and Diagnosis-Related Care (fifth edition)"; Sylvia Escott-Stump; 2002
