Reactive hypoglycemia differs from ordinary hypoglycemia because it occurs after eating -- about one to three hours after your meal, according to MayoClinic.com. Although the symptoms are the same -- hunger, headache, fatigue, shakiness, anxiety and confusion -- it all comes down to timing. Dietary changes are usually sufficient to treat reactive hypoglycemia without further medical treatment.
Causes of Reactive Hypoglycemia
Reactive hypoglycemia is not associated with diabetes, nor does it indicate an increased risk for developing diabetes. According to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, up to 30 percent of women may experience reactive hypoglycemia at some point. Low blood sugar after eating can be caused by a hormone imbalance -- a lack of glucogen or too much insulin. Tumors in your pancreas can cause an over-production of insulin. Reactive hypoglycemia may also be caused by a sensitivity to epinephrine, also known as adrenaline. People who have had gastric bypass surgery or other procedures that interfere with digestion are more likely to experience reactive hypoglycemia.
Dietary Changes for Reactive Hypoglycemia
Because reactive hypoglycemia isn't associated with diabetes, you do not need to follow a diabetic diet. But some of the recommendations for diabetics will help control your low blood sugar. Limiting sugar and simple carbohydrates and choosing high-fiber foods that slow digestion will prevent reactive hypoglycemia. Eat every two hours to keep a steady supply of glucose available. Limit alcoholic beverages, which can trigger low blood sugar. Make sure to eat and drink before exercising -- physical activity uses glucose and can quickly drop your blood sugar level, triggering reactive hypoglycemia.
Meal Ideas
Every time you eat, choose a combination of complex carbohydrate, protein and fat. You don't want to eat a large or high-calorie meal if you're eating every two to three hours -- excess calories will lead to weight gain. These combinations will help stabilize glucose levels and provide essential nutrients: yogurt or cottage cheese with fruit and nuts; nut butter with whole grain bread or crackers; a lean meat sandwich such as turkey, chicken or tuna on whole wheat bread; salad with beans and cheese or bean soup with whole grain crackers. Emphasize vegetables, fruits, legumes and whole grains; you do not need to limit carbohydrates, you just need to choose carbs that don't quickly affect blood sugar.
Caffeine and Other Nutritional Tips
Caffeine can affect your blood sugar. Everyone responds to caffeine differently, but most people with reactive hypoglycemia do well either eliminating it entirely, or limiting it to a very small amount. Increase both your fiber and fluid intake; increased fiber will help stabilize glucose and you'll need more water to avoid gastric distress when increasing the fiber in your diet. Always carry a snack with you -- eating at the first sign of reactive hypoglycemia will stop symptoms from getting worse. The only way to treat reactive hypoglycemia once it begins is by eating.
References
- McKinley Health Center, University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana:Nutrition for Reactive Hypoglycemia
- MayoClinic.com; Reactive Hypoglycemia -- What Can I Do?; Maria Collazo-Clavell, M.D.; October 2, 2010
- Reactive Hypoglycemia; Symptoms, Diabetes and Diet
- Reactive Hypoglycemia Info: The Reactive Hypoglycemic Diet
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