what should i eat if i have hypoglycemia

Nutrition

What foods to avoid if you have hypoglycemia?

• Whole wheat or pumpernickel bread. Share on Pinterest Pumpernickel has a low GI score and fewer carbs than other breads.
• Most fruits.
• Sweet potatoes and yams.
• Oatmeal and oat bran.
• Most nuts.
• Legumes.
• Garlic.
• Cold-water fish.

Medication

Natural Ways to Treat Hypoglycemia

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Therapy

What Food is Good for you?

• Healthy Carbohydrates. During digestion, sugars (simple carbohydrates) and starches (complex carbohydrates) break down into blood glucose.
• Fiber-Rich Foods. Dietary fiber includes all parts of plant foods that your body can’t digest or absorb. ...
• Heart-Healthy Fish. Eat heart-healthy fish at least twice a week. ...
• Understanding Good Fats. ...

Self-care

When you need to get your blood sugar back up quickly, try one of these items:

• A small apple, banana, or orange
• 15 grapes
• A few prunes
• 2 tablespoons of raisins
• half a bagel
• half a cup of granola

Specialist To Consult

Which foods you should avoid if you have hypoglycemia?

What is the healthiest way to treat hypoglycemia?

What is a good diet for hypoglycemia?

What to eat when you have low blood sugar?

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 helps hypoglycemia immediately?

If you have hypoglycemia symptoms, do the following: Eat or drink 15 to 20 grams of fast-acting carbohydrates. These are sugary foods or drinks without protein or fat that are easily converted to sugar in the body. Try glucose tablets or gel, fruit juice, regular (not diet) soda, honey, or sugary candy.

What foods raise blood sugar quickly?

Among the foods you can try for a quick blood sugar boost are:a piece of fruit, like a banana, apple, or orange.2 tablespoons of raisins.15 grapes.1/2 cup apple, orange, pineapple, or grapefruit juice.1/2 cup regular soda (not sugar-free)1 cup fat-free milk.1 tablespoon honey or jelly.15 Skittles.More items...•

What raises blood sugar quickly?

Your doctor may tell you to have really sugary foods or drinks (like regular soda, orange juice, or cake frosting) or might give you glucose tablets or gel to take — all of these can help to raise your blood sugar level fast, which is what you need to do when it's low. Wait about 10 minutes to let the sugar work.

What can I drink for hypoglycemia?

How to treat it. If you have hypoglycemia, you need to have food or a drink that is a fast-acting carbohydrate. Good sources include fruit juice, regular (not diet) soda, glucose tablets, or glucose gel.

What is the 15 15 rule for hypoglycemia?

For low blood sugar between 55-69 mg/dL, raise it by following the 15-15 rule: have 15 grams of carbs and check your blood sugar after 15 minutes. If it's still below your target range, have another serving. Repeat these steps until it's in your target range.

Is Gatorade Good for hypoglycemia?

Eat or drink a fast acting carbohydrate about 15 Grams: 3-4 glucose tablets. ½ can of regular cola (not Diet) or apple juice. 1 cup Gatorade or juice.

How long does it take to recover from low blood sugar?

Conclusions: These results suggest that, in general, recovery from any acute cognitive decrement after severe hypoglycemia was complete by 1.5 days.

How to manage hypoglycemia?

If you have hypoglycemia, you can help manage your systems through your diet. Rather than 3 large meals per day, eat small meals every 3 to 4 hours throughout the day and avoid foods high in saturated or trans fats. Try to eat your first meal as soon as you wake up, as your blood sugar levels may have dropped during the night.

What foods should I avoid on a hypoglycemia diet?

Foods to Avoid on a Hypoglycemia Diet. Processed foods like cheese, bacon, canned vegetables, deli meat, cakes, cookies, and microwave meals. White and whole wheat bread. Jasmine rice or instant white rice. Foods with refined sugars such as. Starches like pretzels, rice cakes and soda crackers.

What is Hypoglycemia?

Hypoglycemia is a condition in which your blood sugar (glucose) levels are too low. Although it’s more common in people who have diabetes, it can also occur in people who do not have diabetes. It happens in people with diabetes if the body produces too much insulin. If you don’t have diabetes, hypoglycemia can occur if your body can’t stabilize your blood sugar levels. It can also happen if your body produces too much insulin after meals.

Why does hypoglycemia occur?

For those with diabetes, hypoglycemia occurs when there’s too much insulin and not enough glucose in the blood. Causes include:

Why does my body produce insulin after eating?

Glucose is the main source of energy for your body and brain. Insulin helps keep blood glucose at normal levels so your body can work properly. Insulin helps glucose enter your cells where it’s used for energy , and if your glucose levels are too low, it can lead to hypoglycemia.

What foods are high in soluble fibre?

Foods high in soluble fibre such as black beans, avocados, broccoli and kidney beans

How long does it take for a person to have reactive hypoglycemia?

Reactive hypoglycemia occurs within 4 hours following a meal. The exact cause is unknown, but it often relates to variations in your diet, such as the time of day you eat.

Which potatoes have the highest glycemic index?

White russet po tatoes are highest on the glycemic index, followed by boiled white potatoes, and then sweet potatoes. Sweet potatoes are full of antioxidants and may help regulate insulin.

How to keep blood sugar stable at night?

Eating a light snack close to bedtime will help keep your blood sugar stable throughout the nighttime hours. Try these:

How to lower blood sugar with steel cut oatmeal?

Dilute the juice with water or choose a big glass of water with lemon instead. Steel-cut oatmeal is lower on the glycemic index than other types of oatmeal, plus it contains lots of soluble fiber. Soluble fiber helps slow down carbohydrate absorption, which helps keep your blood sugar stable.

What does it mean when you have low blood sugar?

Hypoglycemia means that you have low blood sugar. People with diabetes often experience low blood sugar levels. Certain medications, excessive alcohol consumption, some critical illnesses and hormone deficiencies can also cause hypoglycemia without diabetes.

When is the best time to eat complex carbs?

Your mid-afternoon snack is a great time to reach for complex carbohydrates, particularly if you face a long commute home after work. Complex carbs are digested slowly. This means they deliver glucose at a slow pace, which can help your blood sugar level stay stable.

What to eat before working out?

Physical activity lowers blood sugar, so having a snack before exercising is a must. Before working out, grab a high-protein snack with carbohydrates. Good choices include:

What to eat in the morning?

Having a whole-grain , fibrous carbohydrate paired with a protein or healthy fat is also a great option. Try these healthy mid-morning snack options: a small apple with cheddar cheese. a banana with a small handful of nuts or seeds. a piece of whole grain toast with an avocado or hummus spread.

What is the best snack for hypoglycemia?

A peanut butter sandwich on whole-wheat bread is one of the best reactive hypoglycemia snacks, and you can feel free to add banana or apple slices, too.

Why do legumes help with hypoglycemia?

Legumes (beans) provide double the benefit because they also offer protein, which takes the body longer to digest. This can help prevent the low blood sugar that comes with reactive hypoglycemia.

How is reactive hypoglycemia diagnosed?

Advertisement. Reactive hypoglycemia is generally diagnosed through a medical exam. Once diagnosed, the condition rarely requires medical treatment, but instead benefits from a thoughtful eating plan. Hypoglycemia is diagnosed by measuring blood glucose when you are having symptoms, according to UW Health.

What are the benefits of whole grains?

Whole grains provide carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins and minerals. Carbohydrates in food turn into sugar and raise blood sugars to provide a quick boost in energy. The fiber in whole grain helps slow the release of the sugar into the bloodstream, and a slower release of sugar helps keep the blood sugar level consistent, per the Jackson-Siegelbaum Gastroenterology Group.

What is reactive hypoglycemia?

Reactive hypoglycemia is low blood sugar that occurs three to four hours after eating a meal. Symptoms of the condition include hunger, weakness, shakiness, lightheadedness, anxiety and confusion, according to the Mayo Clinic. Paying close attention to your diet can help treat reactive hypoglycemia. Advertisement.

What are some good snacks for low blood sugar?

The best snacks for low blood sugar are those that include lean protein because our bodies break down this nutrient more slowly than carbohydrates. Skinless poultry, fish, low-fat cheese, eggs, peanut butter and soy-based foods are all smart items to keep on hand, according to UW Health.

Does whole grain sugar help with energy?

The fiber in whole grain helps slow the release of the sugar into the bloodstream , and a slower release of sugar helps keep the blood sugar level consistent, per the Jackson-Siegelbaum Gastroenterology Group. Advertisement.

How to treat high blood sugar after eating?

1 tablespoon of sugar, honey, or syrup. Hard candies, jellybeans, or gumdrops (see food label for how much to eat). 3-4 glucose tablets (follow instructions). 1 dose of glucose gel (usually 1 tube; follow instructions). Tips to keep in mind: It takes time for blood sugar to rise after eating. Give some time for treatment to work.

What to do if you think you have low blood sugar?

If you think you have low blood sugar, check it. If you aren’t able to check it, go ahead and treat it. Untreated low blood sugar can be dangerous, so it’s important to know what to do about it and to treat it immediately.

How long does it take to raise blood sugar?

For low blood sugar between 55-69 mg/dL, raise it by following the 15-15 rule: have 15 grams of carbs and check your blood sugar after 15 minutes. If it’s still below your target range, have another serving. Repeat these steps until it’s in your target range.

How much carbs should a child eat to raise blood sugar?

Give some time for treatment to work. Following the 15-15 rule helps. Young children usually need less than 15 grams of carbs, especially infants and toddlers. Ask your doctor how much your child needs.

How long does it take for low blood sugar to go away?

After you have low blood sugar, your early symptoms for low blood sugar are less noticeable for 48 to 72 hours.

What to do if you have a low on glucagon?

If you used glucagon because of a severe low (54 mg/dL or below), immediately call your doctor for emergency medical treatment. If you have had lows several times close together (even if they’re not severe), you should also tell you doctor. They may want to change your diabetes plan.

When to check blood sugar?

Check your blood sugar often when lows are more likely, such as when the weather is hot or when you travel.

How to treat hypoglycemia?

In people with diabetes, hypoglycemia can come on suddenly and needs to be treated right away so it doesn’t get worse. Eat or drink a quickly digested carbohydrate food, such as: 1 ½ cup fruit juice 2 ½ cup of a regular soft drink (not a diet soda) 3 1 cup of milk 4 5 or 6 hard candies 5 4 or 5 saltine crackers 6 2 tablespoons of raisins 7 3 to 4 teaspoons of sugar or honey 8 3 or 4 glucose tablets or a serving of glucose gel

How to treat hypoglycemia in diabetics?

In people with diabetes, hypoglycemia can come on suddenly and needs to be treated right away so it doesn’t get worse. Eat or drink a quickly digested carbohydrate food, such as: ½ cup fruit juice. ½ cup of a regular soft drink (not a diet soda) 1 cup of milk. 5 or 6 hard candies. 4 or 5 saltine crackers.

How to avoid low blood sugar?

If you have diabetes, you need to match your carbohydrate intake to your diabetes medications to avoid low blood sugar. A dietitian or diabetes educator can help you put together an eating plan. If you take mealtime insulin like insulin aspart (NovoLog), insulin lispro (Humalog), or insulin glulisine (Apidra), make sure you eat the right amount of carbohydrates at your meal to match your insulin dosage. Skipping meals or not eating enough carbohydrates can cause your blood sugar level to dip significantly.

What are the symptoms of low blood sugar?

When blood sugar drops, you may get these symptoms: Hunger. Shakiness. Sweating. Dizziness. Lightheadedness. Confusion.

How to keep blood sugar on a keel?

Eating regular meals and snacks is the best way to keep blood sugar on an even keel. Here are some guidelines for those who have had recurring bouts of hypoglycemia:

How long to wait to check blood sugar with a glucose meter?

3 or 4 glucose tablets or a serving of glucose gel. Each of these choices provides about 15 grams of carbohydrate. Wait for 15 or 20 minutes, then check your blood sugar with a blood glucose meter. If your blood sugar is still low, have another portion of carbohydrates.

What is Hypoglycemia?

Hypoglycemia is a condition caused by low blood glucose ( blood sugar) levels. Glucose is the main way your body gets energy. The condition is most common in people with diabetes who have issues with medicine, food, or exercise. But sometimes people who don't have diabetes can also get low blood glucose. There are two kinds of nondiabetic hypoglycemia:

How to diagnose non diabetic hypoglycemia?

To diagnose nondiabetic hypoglycemia, your doctor will do a physical exam and ask questions about any medicines you take. They’ll want to know all about your health and any history of diseases or stomach surgery. They’ll check your blood glucose level, especially when you are having symptoms.

What Causes Reactive Hypoglycemia?

Reactive hypoglycemia comes from having too much insulin in your blood. It usually happens within a few hours after you eat. Other possible causes include:

How to get rid of diabetes symptoms?

If it’s below your target level or below 70, eat or drink 15 to 20 grams of carbohydrates. You can take juice, hard candy, or glucose tablets. This will usually help your symptoms go away.

How to keep blood sugar steady?

If you have diabetes, you can make some more easy changes to help keep your blood sugar steady: Eat at least three evenly spaced meals each day with between-meal snacks as prescribed. Exercise 30 minutes to 1 hour after meals.

How do you know if you have hypoglycemia?

Most people feel symptoms of hypoglycemia when their blood sugar is 70 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or lower. The symptoms may be different, depending on how low your blood sugar goes. They usually include: Hunger. Shakiness. Anxiety. Sweating. Pale skin. Fast or irregular heartbeat.

What to eat before driving?

Eat a protein and carbohydrate source (such as peanut butter crackers or cheese and crackers) before you drive on. Be prepared. Keep a sugar source, such as glucose tablets, in your car at all times for emergencies.

Why is it important to control hypoglycemia?

It’s important to control your hypoglycemia because it can cause long-term health problems. Your body needs glucose to function. Without the right level of glucose, your body will struggle to perform its normal functions. As a result, you may have difficulty thinking clearly and performing even simple tasks.

What are the symptoms of hypoglycemia?

Some symptoms of hypoglycemia may include: dizziness. a feeling of extreme hunger. a headache. confusion. an inability to concentrate. sweating. shaking.

How to know if you have hypoglycemia?

Everyone reacts differently to fluctuations in their blood glucose levels. Some symptoms of hypoglycemia may include: 1 dizziness 2 a feeling of extreme hunger 3 a headache 4 confusion 5 an inability to concentrate 6 sweating 7 shaking 8 blurred vision 9 personality changes

How long does a fasting test for hypoglycemia last?

Your doctor may ask you to take a fasting test. This test can last as long as 72 hours. During the test, you’ll have your blood drawn at different times to measure your blood glucose level.

What is it called when you have too much sugar in your blood?

Hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia is a condition that occurs when the sugar levels in your blood are too low. Many people think of hypoglycemia as something that only occurs in people with diabetes. However, it can also occur in people who don’t have diabetes. Hypoglycemia is different from hyperglycemia, which occurs when you have too much sugar in your ...

What happens if you don't have enough sugar?

If you don’t have diabetes, hypoglycemia can happen when you don’t have enough sugar in your blood or if your body can’t stabilize your blood sugar level. This occurs when your level drops below 70 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL).

What happens if you have reactive hypoglycemia?

An overproduction of insulin causes reactive hypoglycemia. Having reactive hypoglycemia may mean you’re at risk of developing diabetes.

Why is hypoglycemia unawareness important?

Hypoglycemia unawareness increases the risk of severe hypoglycemia, so treating and preventing hypoglycemia is very important for the health and safety of people with diabetes.

Which is better for blood sugar: bread or white bread?

Bread. One slice of bread usually contains enough carbohydrates to provide the 15 grams needed to raise blood sugar. Whole-grain breads contain more fiber and protein, so it would be better for low blood sugar treatment to choose lower-fiber options such as white bread.

What happens if you don't eat enough carbs?

If someone isn’t eating very many carbohydrates, especially if they’re also taking insulin or other diabetes medications, hypoglycemia can occur.

What is the slowing of the stomach?

Gastroparesis. Gastroparesis is the slowing of stomach emptying, which can occur as a complication of diabetes. When food isn’t emptied from the stomach very quickly, it isn’t available to be digested and converted into sugar in the bloodstream. Hypoglycemia risk increases in people with gastroparesis who also take insulin.

Why is fast acting insulin taken at meals?

The risk of low blood sugar is highest with short- and rapid-acting insulins. Fast-acting insulin is usually taken around meals because eating raises blood sugar, so it works quickly to counteract the rise in blood sugar. Taking short- and rapid-acting insulins without eating may result in a hypo.

What is the goal of diabetes?

When you have diabetes, one of the main goals is to keep blood sugar levels from going too high and too low. It can seem like a balancing act sometimes since many factors can influence blood sugar levels. Despite the best diabetes management plan and healthy habits, there may still be a time when someone with diabetes experiences low blood sugar.

Can low blood sugar be life threatening?

Low blood sugar can become life-threatening if it becomes severe, so it’s essential that people with diabetes and those caring for them know which foods to eat when low blood sugar occurs. Suppose someone has repeated incidents of low blood sugar.