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What is reactive hypoglycemia?

Reactive hypoglycemia can occur when blood glucose falls, stores of glucose from the liver are exhausted and an individual chooses not to eat. The body gradually adjusts to this situation by using muscle protein to feed glucose to brain cells and fat to fuel the other body cells, but before this adjustment takes place, an individual may experience symptoms of glucose deprivation to the brain. Symptoms such as: anxiety, hunger, dizziness, confusion, sleepiness, weakness, shaking muscles and racing heart may result. Most of these symptoms diminish five to ten minutes after eating a source of carbohydrate. Because these symptoms are common to many conditions, a health care provider should be consulted to assess an individual’s specific symptoms and concerns.

Who is affected by reactive hypoglycemia?

Reactive hypoglycemia occurs in about 2-3 out of every 10 young women - more often in obese women and less often in people over age 45. While most people experience low blood glucose levels at times, if the symptoms are severe or ongoing it is important to learn to eat a balanced meal or snack promptly. Reactive hypoglycemia does not lead to more severe conditions.

How can I control reactive hypoglycemia?

Reactive hypoglycemia can be managed with:

• Nutritionally balanced meals
• Frequent meals and snacks
• Regular exercise
• Smoking cessation
• Weight management
• Medical supervision, if indicated
• Regular blood sugar checks, if advised

How can reactive hypoglycemia be controlled with nutritionally balanced meals?

When blood glucose falls, eating carbohydrate foods can bring blood glucose levels back up; a meal or a snack must be eaten. Some people believe the obvious solution is to eat a candy bar or drink a cola beverage. Such a meal or snack is very high in carbohydrate, and consists mostly of simple sugar. It may cause your blood level to rise quickly and then fall quickly. Some people then experience the symptoms of rebound hypoglycemia.

A more helpful choice is to eat food with complex carbohydrates (higher fiber whole grain crackers, bagels, breads or cereal). Complex carbohydrate foods deliver glucose over a longer period of time, eliciting less of a rise and fall in blood glucose. A cracker or other grain food with cheese or another protein/fat is the best choice. The protein/fat slows down the digestion of the carbohydrate and keeps blood sugar more stable.

Some snack and meal suggestions that meet the goal of including a complex carbohydrate, a protein source or a fat include:

• Meat or cheese sandwich on whole wheat bread
• Yogurt and fruit
• Cottage cheese and whole grain crackers
• Turkey, cheese slices and veggies on a salad
• Salad with beans or nuts added
• Peanut butter and whole grain crackers
• Cheese and whole grain crackers
• Bean soup and whole grain crackers or bread
• Cheese on baked potato with skin
• Whole grain bagel and cream cheese
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