Meal Plan For Hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia, also called low blood sugar or low blood glucose, sometimes occurs in diabetics in response to their medication. It can also result from not eating to replenish your glucose stores when your blood sugar has dropped. Glucose is your body's primary energy source, and your body converts almost all its glucose from carbohydrates. You can ward off hypoglycemia by focusing your meal plan on complex carbohydrates and adding a little protein.

Breakfast

A slice of whole wheat toast offers almost 13 g of carbohydrates. A banana adds almost 27 g. The toast has fiber, which helps to stabilize blood sugar, and it contains complex carbohydrates, which cause a slower, less erratic rise in your blood glucose level. The fruit provides fructose, a sugar carb that does not affect insulin levels. Increased insulin can lower your blood sugar even more. The McKinley Health Center advises that you should combine some protein and fat with every meal, so round out breakfast by adding an egg.

Lunch

The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine suggests adding carbohydrates and a protein source to a salad. For example, a 1/2 c. of kidney beans has almost 8 g of protein and more than 20 g of carbohydrates. You can also add fruit, nuts or seeds.

Dinner

Combine any lean cut of meat or poultry with a baked potato or rice to balance protein and carbohydrates. Brown rice has almost 45 g of carbohydrates per 1 c. serving and is a good source of fiber. A baked potato with its skin intact contributes almost 43 g of carbs to your diet. Add a serving of vegetables for optimal nutrition.

Snacks

Eating every few hours is as important as what you eat, so a meal plan for hypoglycemia should include at least two light snacks per day. This provides a steady supply of carbs to your system, so your glucose level is less likely to drop significantly between meals. The McKinley Health Center suggests peanut butter on whole grain crackers, yogurt, fruit or a whole grain bagel with cream cheese.

Emergency Foods

Your blood glucose level might suddenly fall despite your best efforts, especially if you're taking insulin or another medication for diabetes. The National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse suggests keeping some foods on hand to restore your blood sugar quickly in an emergency. Foods that can bring your blood glucose level up within 15 minutes or so include five or six pieces of hard candy, a teaspoon of honey or a 1/2 c. of fruit juice or soda pop. However, the candy and the soda pop contain simple carbs. These will drive your blood sugar up right away, but it will drop again quickly as well. If you use simple carbs as an emergency measure, make sure you eat a nutritious meal or a snack within an hour.