Hypoglycemia is the medical term for low blood sugar. Fluctuations in blood sugar levels are normal and imbalances often self-correct in healthy people. Conditions such as diabetes, however, can make managing your blood sugar more challenging. Over 25 million Americans have diabetes, according to 2011 information from the American Diabetes Association, and poorly managed blood sugar is a major cause of complications. Medical treatment and dietary changes can help minimize these effects.
Immediate Dietary Treatment
If you experience symptoms of hypoglycemia, such as shakiness, nervousness, hunger, weakness or confusion, you should check your blood sugar. If it falls below 70 mg/dL, consuming a "quick-fix food" may help restore healthy levels. Appropriate quick-fix options, each of which contain about 15 g of carbohydrate include 4 oz. of fruit juice, 8 oz. of milk, 5 or 6 hard candies and 1 tbsp. of honey or sugar. If your levels remain low after 15 minutes, consume another serving. A normal post-meal blood sugar score if you have diabetes falls between 70 and 130 mg/dL before meals and below 180 mg/dL, 1 to 2 hours after the start of a meal. If you do not have diabetes, the normal range is 70 to 140 mg/dL.
General Guidelines
If you are prone to hypoglycemia but do not have diabetes, eating frequent meals can help prevent blood sugar drops, according to MayoClinic.com. If you do have diabetes, follow your doctor-recommended meal plan. Standard diabetes-friendly diets encourage balanced meals that contain a lean protein source, such as fish or tofu, a healthy starch, such as barley or brown rice, fruit or non-starchy vegetables, such as spinach or bell peppers, and healthy fat. Healthy fat sources are unsaturated and include nuts, seeds, avocados, cold-water fish, such as salmon, and vegetable oils.
Optimum Foods
Eating nutritious foods can contribute to your overall health and wellness, as well as keep your blood sugar under control. MayoClinic.com notes that fiber-rich foods can help normalize blood sugar levels. Foods particularly high in fiber include beans, lentils, peas, berries, artichokes and whole grain breads, cereals and pasta. To lower your risk for heart disease, which is common in diabetics, consume omega-3 fatty acid sources, such as cold-water fish and flaxseeds, regularly. For ample antioxidants, which help your body resist and heal from infections and disease, consume a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables routinely. You should also consume protein from low-fat dairy and soy products, egg whites and skinless white-meat poultry.
Foods to Limit
Foods rich in saturated or trans-fats may increase your cholesterol levels and your risk for heart disease. Foods high in saturated fat include high-fat dairy products, fatty red and processed meats, fried foods and commercially-prepared foods that contain hydrogenated vegetable oil. And although sugar may help raise low blood sugar, eating too much on a routine basis can disrupt blood sugar control and leave little room in your diet for beneficial fare. Top contributors of sugar include regular soft drinks, candy, pancake syrup, jellies, jam and frosting. MayoClinic.com also suggests limiting your sodium intake. Foods high in sodium include many canned foods, frozen entrees, processed meats and salty snacks such as potato chips.
