Hypoglycemia is a condition where your body's response to rising and falling blood sugar levels is impaired. When functioning normally, your body can accommodate for changes in blood sugar levels by releasing stored glycogen -- energy -- between meals. However, when you have hypoglycemia, your blood sugar levels can rise and fall rapidly, causing symptoms like confusion, clumsiness and fainting. To prepare and prevent these symptoms, you can eat a diet geared toward your condition.
Complex Carbohydrates
Eating complex carbohydrates is important if you have hypoglycemia because carbohydrates are the chief energy source in your diet. Complex carbohydrates are digested more slowly, meaning they provide a steadier energy source. Examples of complex carbohydrates include whole grain pasta, whole grain breads, and fruits like apples, berries and pears. Choose complex carbohydrates sources over simple carbohydrates like cookies, cakes and candy, which can lead to blood sugar fluctuations that can contribute to hypoglycemic attacks.
High-Fiber Foods
Fiber is another nutrient your body needs to keep blood sugar levels steady. Fiber slows the digestive process in the stomach, which makes you feel fuller longer. High-fiber foods include most vegetables, fruits and whole grains. Choosing fresh foods whenever possible can ensure you are getting enough fiber in your diet.
Meal Frequency
Meal timing is important when you have hypoglycemia. You need to eat small, frequent meals to keep your blood sugar steady. Skipping meals can lead to a hypoglycemic attack. You can still eat breakfast, lunch and dinner, but supplement these with three small snacks between meals. An example could be eating a half-turkey or peanut butter sandwich paired with low-fat yogurt for lunch and then having a pear and low-fat string cheese for a before-dinner snack. Packing snacks like nuts and trail mix in baggies can provide easy access to snack items.
Fast-Acting Glucose Foods
Hypoglycemic attacks can occur suddenly and cause harmful symptoms. While eating smaller, frequent meals and snacks can help remedy this, you still may experience a hypoglycemia attack. When you do, it's important to have fast-acting foods on hand. Always keep one of the following nearby if you have a hypoglycemia attack: glucose tablets/gel, 1/2 cup of fruit juice, 1/2 cup of regular soda, 1 cup of milk, five to six pieces of hard candy, or 1 tbsp. of sugar or honey. The body should absorb these foods within 15 minutes of eating them. If you have diabetes, you can check your blood glucose levels -- they should be at least 70 mg/dL. If your symptoms do not improve, eat another serving.
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