Most people can manage their reactive hypoglycemia with lifestyle changes, for example:
- Eat smaller meals and snacks about every 3 hours
- Include a variety of foods in your diet, such as protein (meat and nonmeat), fruits and vegetables, dairy products, and whole grains
- Avoid high sugar foods and highly refined carbohydrates, such as white bread
- If you drink alcohol, eat food
- Get regular exercise.
What is the best diet for reactive hypoglycemia?
Try these:
- hard boiled eggs and a slice of whole-grain bread with cinnamon (several small studies indicate that cinnamon may help reduce blood sugar)
- a small serving of steel-cut oatmeal, like this protein-packed oatmeal with blueberries, sunflower seeds, and agave
- plain Greek yogurt with berries, honey, and oatmeal
How to control reactive hypoglycemia naturally?
Raisins
- Take a tablespoon of fresh raisins and add it to a glass of warm milk.
- Add a tablespoon of honey to the mixture.
- Drink this on a daily basis.
- This gives immediate relief from the symptoms of hypoglycemia.
What triggers reactive hypoglycemia?
What Triggers Reactive Hypoglycemia? The scientific understanding is murky, but it appears that it happens when your body produces too much insulin as a result of eating a meal high in carbs. The body continues to release insulin long after you’ve finished eating.
What are risk factors for reactive hypoglycemia?
Risk Factors
- Certain Populations. Children with type 1 diabetes, the elderly, and people with hypoglycemia unawareness are at a higher risk of developing hypoglycemia.
- Taking Certain Medications. ...
- Smoking. ...
- Premature Birth. ...
What is the fastest way to cure reactive hypoglycemia?
When someone has symptoms of reactive hypoglycemia, the immediate treatment involves consuming a small amount of a sugary food or beverage, such as half a cup of fruit juice. Following a healthful diet may help prevent the sugar spikes in the bloodstream that lead to sugar dips and symptoms of hypoglycemia.
How do you recover from reactive hypoglycemia?
Treatment for Reactive Hypoglycemia Eat 15 grams of carbohydrates, then check your blood sugar after 15 minutes. If it's still below 70 mg/dL, have another serving. Repeat until your blood sugar is at least 70 mg/dL. Talk to your doctor to see if you need a new treatment plan.
What triggers reactive hypoglycemia?
Reactive hypoglycemia occurs when your body experiences low blood sugar after a meal. “It typically occurs about 2 hours after a meal,” says Zumpano, “and can sometimes even happen up to 4 hours after eating.”
How do you feel with reactive hypoglycemia?
Reactive hypoglycemia is a drop in blood glucose (sugar) that occurs after eating. Symptoms usually develop within four hours of consuming food and may include shakiness, dizziness, nausea, rapid heartbeat, and sweating. Severe cases can lead to fainting or seizures.
Can reactive hypoglycemia go away?
Reactive hypoglycemia usually doesn't require medical treatment. However, any underlying medical condition will need to be treated. Dietary changes often help lessen your symptoms.
Does exercise help reactive hypoglycemia?
A 2019 review notes that anaerobic exercise, such as high intensity interval training (HIIT), may reduce the risk of hypoglycemia in people with diabetes.
What foods to avoid if you have hypoglycemia?
Foods that are not suitable for people with hypoglycemia to eat because they can cause your blood sugar levels to fluctuate significantly include:White bread, white rice, and pasta.Trans fats.Sugar-sweetened drinks.Fruit-flavored yogurt.Sweetened breakfast cereals.Honey, agave nectar, and maple syrup.Dried fruit.More items...•
What causes reactive hypoglycemia in non diabetics?
In people without diabetes, hypoglycemia can result from the body producing too much insulin after a meal, causing blood sugar levels to drop. This is called reactive hypoglycemia. Reactive hypoglycemia can be an early sign of diabetes.
What vitamins should I take for hypoglycemia?
You may address nutritional deficiencies with the following supplements:A daily multivitamin. ... Omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish oil. ... Vitamin C. ... Alpha-lipoic acid. ... Magnesium, for nutrient support. ... Chromium. ... Probiotic supplement (containing Lactobacillus acidophilus).
What autoimmune disease causes hypoglycemia?
Summary. Insulin autoimmune syndrome is a rare condition that causes low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). This occurs because the body begins to make a specific kind of protein called antibodies to attack insulin. Insulin is a naturally occurring hormone that is responsible for keeping blood sugar at a normal level.
What kind of tumors cause reactive hypoglycemia?
Insulinomas are tumors in your pancreas. They make extra insulin, more than your body can use. Insulinomas can cause hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar.
Does reactive hypoglycemia cause weight gain?
Hypoglycemia and Weight Gain People with hypoglycemia may find they gain weight because they use food to raise their blood sugar, Elizabeth Halprin, MD, clinical director of adult diabetes at Harvard's Joslin Diabetes Center, tells LIVESTRONG.com. "This means patients are eating more calories than they would normally."
What vitamins should I take for hypoglycemia?
You may address nutritional deficiencies with the following supplements:A daily multivitamin. ... Omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish oil. ... Vitamin C. ... Alpha-lipoic acid. ... Magnesium, for nutrient support. ... Chromium. ... Probiotic supplement (containing Lactobacillus acidophilus).
What foods to avoid if you have hypoglycemia?
Foods that are not suitable for people with hypoglycemia to eat because they can cause your blood sugar levels to fluctuate significantly include:White bread, white rice, and pasta.Trans fats.Sugar-sweetened drinks.Fruit-flavored yogurt.Sweetened breakfast cereals.Honey, agave nectar, and maple syrup.Dried fruit.More items...•
What causes reactive hypoglycemia in non diabetics?
In people without diabetes, hypoglycemia can result from the body producing too much insulin after a meal, causing blood sugar levels to drop. This is called reactive hypoglycemia. Reactive hypoglycemia can be an early sign of diabetes.
Can reactive hypoglycemia turn into diabetes?
Idiopathic reactive hypoglycemia occurs at the 3rd hour of OGTT. It occurs mostly in teenagers and nonobese. The cause and pathophysiological importance have not been fully elucidated. This type of hypoglycemia usually does not develop diabetes.
The official treatment
I wasn’t diagnosed with reactive hypoglycemia until I was around forty years old.
The latest fad treatment to heal reactive hypoglycemia
I hesitate to use the word “fad” here, because people have legitimately healed themselves of the blood sugar problem using the protocol I’m about to mention. However, the prescribed diet goes against the way most people’s ancestors have been eating for millennia.
Along came Chris Kresser
I don’t agree with everything Chris Kresser teaches. But around the time I was diagnosed with reactive hypoglycemia, I’d begun listening to his podcast. Into a Paleo-ish diet, he, unlike his peers, promoted a higher carb diet than most Paleo pundits. A hundred to 150 grams per day, was his recommendation.
Fast forward to July 2021
The afternoon of July 7, 2021, I said to my husband, “It’s been four hours since I finished eating, and I’m still not hungry.”
My conclusion
Therefore, it wasn’t the intermittent fasting. It was, contrary to popular belief, eating more carbs. And not even low-sugar carbs. I’d love to be able to eat rice and potatoes without limit, but I’m sensitive to resistant starch (speaking of diet fads!), so I can only eat a half cup of one or the other at a time.
What is reactive hypoglycemia?
Reactive hypoglycemia is low blood sugar that occurs a few hours after eating a meal. It happens when a person has too much insulin in their blood at the wrong time. Insulin is the hormone that enables sugar to enter cells from the bloodstream. Within cells, sugar serves as the primary source of energy. Symptoms of reactive hypoglycemia may include ...
When to contact a doctor for reactive hypoglycemia?
When to contact a doctor. If a person is experiencing the symptoms of reactive hypoglycemia, they should consult a doctor. This will enable them to find out whether they have the condition and, if so, to know its degree of severity.
How long does it take for reactive hypoglycemia to subside?
It occurs when blood sugar levels are below 70 milligrams/deciliter. This often occurs approximately 2–4 hours after a meal. Symptoms subside quickly after eating or drinking carbohydrates.
How long after eating do you have symptoms of reactive hypoglycemia?
People with reactive hypoglycemia may experience some or all of the following symptoms 2–4 hours after a meal:
What is hypoglycemia in the body?
VioletaStoimenova/Getty Images. Hypoglycemia is the term for when blood sugar, or glucose, falls below the normal, healthy range. Some factors that affect blood sugar include: exercise. the intake of sugar and other carbohydrates through the diet. the amount of insulin in the body. When a person consumes carbohydrates, ...
What causes a quick drop in blood sugar?
Limiting the intake of sugary foods and beverages, such as desserts, sweet tea, and fruit juices: These foods can trigger an excessive increase in insulin, which can result in a quick drop in blood sugar .
Can metformin help with hypoglycemia?
These individuals include those who doctors suspect may have prediabetes. Metformin may help reduce symptoms, as prediabetes is a possible cause of this type of hypoglycemia.
What is reactive hypoglycemia?
What can I do for my symptoms? Answer From M. Regina Castro, M.D. Reactive hypoglycemia (postprandial hypoglycemia) refers to low blood sugar that occurs after a meal — usually within four hours after eating. This is different from low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) that occurs while fasting.
What to eat when you have a swollen stomach?
Eating a balanced diet, including lean and nonmeat sources of protein, and high-fiber foods, including whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Avoiding sugary foods and processed simple carbohydrates, such as white bread or white pasta, especially on an empty stomach. Eating food when drinking alcohol, if you drink.
What does it mean when you have low blood sugar while fasting?
This is different from low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) that occurs while fasting. Signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia may include: If you use insulin or other blood sugar lowering medications to treat diabetes, hypoglycemia after eating may mean that your medication dose needs to be adjusted.
Does reactive hypoglycemia require medical treatment?
Additional testing may need to be done if you have more-serious symptoms. Reactive hypoglycemia usually doesn't require medical treatment. However, any underlying medical condition will need to be treated. Dietary changes often help lessen your symptoms.
What is reactive hypoglycemia?
Updated on September 11, 2020. Reactive hypoglycemia, also called postprandial hypoglycemia, is a drop in blood glucose (blood sugar) levels. This typically happens within four hours after eating and is not related to diabetes . Usually, a definitive cause of reactive hypoglycemia cannot be determined, although there are a handful ...
What are the causes of reactive postprandial hypoglycemia?
Even so, certain dietary and lifestyle changes are known to help prevent it: 2 . Limit foods that have a high glycemic index, such as sugary ones and processed simple carbs like white bread and pasta —especially on an empty stomach.
How long does it take for blood sugar to return to normal?
The symptoms of reactive hypoglycemia can be mitigated by taking certain steps to return blood glucose levels to normal: First, follow the "15-15 Rule," which involves eating 15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrates and checking your blood sugar after 15 minutes.
What happens if you have low blood sugar after eating?
If you experience the symptoms of low blood sugar levels after you eat, see your doctor. Some symptoms can be similar to those of other conditions, such as heart disease, so you'll want to be certain a potentially serious medical problem isn't responsible for your post-meal dips in glucose. Once it's clear you're experiencing reactive hypoglycemia, even if your doctor can't find a specific reason it should be a relief to know that there are simple measures you can take to handle, and prevent, episodes from occurring.
How to stop blood sugar from dropping?
Once your symptoms have resolved, eat a small snack or meal to prevent your blood sugar from spiking and dropping again. Some good options are: 8 . Glucose tablets (see instructions) Gel tube (see instructions) 4 ounces (1/2 cup) of juice or regular soda (not diet) 1 tablespoon of sugar, honey, or corn syrup.
Can too much insulin cause low glucose levels?
Too much insulin intake can cause lower levels of glucose in the blood.
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What to do if you have hypoglycemia?
They’ll ask about your symptoms, medical history, and if other people in your family have had diabetes. The doctor may check your blood sugar while you’re having symptoms and compare it to a reading taken after the symptoms go away.
How long does it take for a person to show symptoms of reactive hypoglycemia?
The symptoms of reactive hypoglycemia generally start within 4 hours after a meal. They can include:
Why is my blood glucose level below normal?
This added insulin makes your blood glucose level drop below normal. Reactive hypoglycemia can also result from tumors, alcohol, surgeries -- like gastric bypass or ulcer treatment -- and possibly some metabolic diseases. It’s more common if you’re overweight.
What happens if your blood sugar is too low?
If the sugar -- or glucose -- levels in your blood are too low, you can sometimes get a condition called hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia mainly affects people with diabetes, but there are two types that can happen to anyone:
Why does my blood glucose drop after eating?
The answer isn’t always clear. It’s likely the result of your body making too much insulin after a large, carb-heavy meal. Scientists aren’t sure why, but sometimes your body continues to release extra insulin even after you’ve digested your meal. This added insulin makes your blood glucose level drop below normal.
How to check blood sugar if you have diabetes?
If you have diabetes, check your blood sugar levels. For people with diabetes, a reading below 70 mg/dL means you’re hypoglycemic. Eat 15 grams of carbohydrates, then check your blood sugar after 15 minutes. If it’s still below 70 mg/dL, have another serving. Repeat until your blood sugar is at least 70 mg/dL.
Can you treat reactive hypoglycemia?
Most people don’t need medical treatment to manage reactive hypoglycemia. Instead, there are changes you can make at home. Often changing your diet can help your symptoms.
What Is Reactive Hypoglycemia?
When you consume carbohydrates, your body releases insulin to help process it and keep your blood sugar stable. However, when you begin exercising, your body starts using those carbohydrates and a further decrease in blood glucose occurs. There was even a time when consuming carbohydrates directly before exercise was believed to have a negative impact on performance due to the double blood-sugar-lowering effects of these two processes.
How many athletes have reactive hypoglycemia?
Studies show that up to 30% of athletes experience reactive hypoglycemia. Here’s what it is and how to prevent it before your next workout.
Why do carbohydrates affect blood sugar?
When you consume carbohydrates, your body releases insulin to help process it and keep your blood sugar stable. However, when you begin exercising, your body starts using those carbohydrates and a further decrease in blood glucose occurs. There was even a time when consuming carbohydrates directly before exercise was believed to have a negative impact on performance due to the double blood-sugar-lowering effects of these two processes.
How to manage reactive hypoglycemia?
Outside of exercise, paying close attention to the timing and composition of meals and snacks can help manage reactive hypoglycemia.
Why do we like glycomic formula?
We really like Glycemic formula because it contains all of these nutrients in a synergistic combination - it contains the 9 most effective natural ingredients known for their ability to optimize blood sugar levels so they stay balanced. You can read more about how it works here.
Which botanical medicine slows down the absorbing of glucose from the gut?
The botanical medicines Momordica charantia and Gymnema sylvestre slow how glucose is absorbed from the gut and support the pancreas (where insulin is made).
What minerals are needed to make insulin?
Chromium, vanadium, zinc, copper and magnesium are all minerals that play a vital role in how our cells interact with insulin. By supplying these nutrients, the pancreas releases insulin in a more measured way and the cell's ability to absorb and utilize sugars is improved as well.
What foods should I eat to avoid GI issues?
Limit or avoid simple high GI carbohydrate foods (soda, candy, etc.), particularly on an empty stomach.
Does banana help with blood sugar?
The sugar from the carbs is then released as the working muscles start requiring it, and this keeps insulin (mostly) out of the picture. This is thought to result in a much less precipitous drop in blood sugar. Also, choosing low glycemic index (GI) carbohydrates, such as a slightly under-ripe banana, may also help.
Can muscles use glucose without insulin?
Additionally, a separate process occurs independent of insulin in working muscles. You see, muscles can uptake and utilize glucose all by themselves, without insulin. Mother Nature created this 'fail safe' system so that our muscles would never be deprived of energy to work.
I HAD HEALTH ISSUES FOR YEARS!
In time, I learned a lot about my body. Often, I could tell doctors what was going on before they had even diagnosed me.
But What About Reactive Hypoglycemia?
So what the heck does all of this have to do with reactive hypoglycemia?
I Got To Work
But, just like in the past, when my experience and my gut feelings told me things that some doctors would not even consider, I knew I was onto something in thinking this was a low blood sugar issue.
LIES! LIES! LIES!
In my program, I’m going to clear up some misunderstandings about reactive hypoglycemia.
SECRET: EAT THIS ONE THING TO CONTROL BLOOD SUGAR AND GET LEANER!
Also, in my program, I’m going to show you ONE thing that I eat EVERY single day to help me control my blood sugar.
I WAS FREAKED THE HELL OUT!
Look, I know when I experienced my first major episode of reactive hypoglycemia, I was a bit freaked out. And after every other episode, I wondered if I would ever have my healthy life back.
About Ryan
Ryan Hamner, creator of “Crush Reactive Hypoglycemia,” is a four-time survivor of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.
Official Answer
Reactive hypoglycemia can be diagnosed by measuring the amount of glucose in a person's blood while they're having symptoms as well as by observing if their symptoms resolve once they eat and their blood glucose levels return to normal.
What is reactive hypoglycemia?
Reactive hypoglycemia is when blood glucose (blood sugar) levels drop within four hours of eating or when fasting and is not related to diabetes. Rarely, blood sugar levels may drop randomly unrelated to food intake or deprivation. Reactive hypoglycemia may also be called postprandial hypoglycemia.
What causes reactive hypoglycemia?
Usually, no cause is found, but reactive hypoglycemia is more common in some medical conditions such as noninsulinoma pancreatogenous hypoglycemia syndrome (NIPHS), gastric bypass surgery, tumors, ulcer treatment, metabolic disorders, and insulin autoimmune hypoglycemia. It is more common in people who are overweight.
What are the symptoms of reactive hypoglycemia?
Symptoms usually start within 4 hours of a meal, or when a person has been fasting for some time and may include:
How do you treat reactive hypoglycemia?
Most people can manage their reactive hypoglycemia with lifestyle changes, for example: