Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, occurs when there is too much insulin and not enough glucose in your bloodstream. The only way to treat low blood sugar is to eat; and you often start to feel hungry as blood sugar drops -- your body telling you that you need more glucose. You can prevent hypoglycemia with dietary changes. Talk to your doctor before changing your diet.
Causes of Hypoglycemia
Low blood sugar is often caused by skipping a meal, taking too much diabetes medication or exercising more than normal. In rare cases, hypoglycemia may be caused by an underlying medical condition such as a tumor or hormonal imbalance. Symptoms of hypoglycemia usually start with a headache, fatigue or hunger -- especially with a craving for sweets that your body can quickly convert to glucose. Once blood sugar starts to drop, eat as soon as you can; the longer you wait the worse it gets. Other signs of low blood sugar include shakiness, dizziness, anxiety, sweating and mood swings.
Hypoglycemic Diet
Since hypoglycemia is more common in people that have diabetes than those who don't, a hypoglycemic diet follows the same basic guidelines as your diabetes diet. Keep blood sugar levels stable by eating in a regular schedule, about every four hours. Space your calories evenly throughout the day and make sure that you eat a combination of complex carbohydrates, protein and fat at every meal. Avoid eating added sugars and simple carbohydrates which can quickly spike glucose levels. The faster your body produces glucose, the more insulin will be released to move that glucose form your bloodstream to your cells. If too much insulin is released, you'll have hypoglycemia.
2,000-Calorie Hypoglycemic Diet
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases suggests that a 2,000-calorie diet is appropriate for a larger person who wants to lose weight, or a medium-sized man who doesn't exercise often. Your diet should include eight servings of complex carbohydrates such as whole grains or starchy vegetables, four servings of vegetables, up to four servings of healthy fats such as olive oil or avocados, three servings of fruit, two servings of low-fat or nonfat dairy and between 4 and 6 oz. of animal protein daily. Portion control matters -- make sure to weigh and measure your food until you learn what proper portion sizes look like.
Other Tips
If you're eating 2,000 calories each day, divide your calories evenly throughout the day. Try to eat three meals and two to three snacks. A bedtime snack may help prevent nighttime hypoglycemia, which can interfere with your sleep and even cause bad dreams. Three 500-calorie meals and three 150-calorie snacks will help keep glucose and insulin production stable. Don't eat carbohydrates alone, but always with protein or fat, which slow digestion and provide a slow and steady flow of glucose. Instead of snacking only on a piece of fruit, try adding a tbsp. of peanut butter of a handful of almonds.
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