Julia Humphrey Central Washington University Reactive Hypoglycemia

Physiological Effects Normal Eat, blood glucose rises, insulin released, glucagon released Blood glucose values do not typically fall below 70 mg/dL Reactive Hypoglycemia Eat, blood glucose rises, too much insulin released or not enough glucagon released Blood glucose values drop significantly 1-3 hours after eating

Normal vs. Hypoglycemic

Characteristics Low blood glucose levels after short periods without food Typically occurs 1-3 hours after eating Possible cause due to overproduction of insulin

Symptoms of Hypoglycemia Dizziness Blurry Vision Rapid Heartbeat Hunger Shakiness Confusion Sweating Weakness

Treatment of Symptoms Consume 15 grams of fast acting carbohydrates every 15 minutes until blood glucose levels are stabilized. Foods Include: Fruit Juice (1/2 cup or 4 oz) Regular Soda (1/2 cup or 4 oz) Hard Candy (5-6 pieces) Glucose Tablet (3-4 tablets) Crackers

Severe Complications Loss of consciousness Coma Seizures Death

Managing Hypoglycemia Choose Foods that are Low on the Glycemic Index scale Eat small frequent meals Exercise Snack often

The Glycemic Index

How fast foods affect blood glucose values Based on how much fat, protein, fiber is in a food High GI foods raise blood sugar quickly Choosing low GI foods helps stabilize blood glucose values

Small Frequent Meals Eat every 2-3 hours Snack often Avoids the possibility of blood glucose levels falling too low

On-The-Go Snack Important to keep snacks on hand at all times Pre-packaged foods are easy to carry and keep for longer periods of time Glucose tablets, drinks & gels

Review Treat symptoms ASAP Treat with 15g of fast acting carbohydrates Choose low glycemic index food choices Eat small frequent meals Carry snacks at all times

Resources American Diabetes Association. Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Glucose). Available at: glucose-control/hypoglycemia-low-blood.html. Accessed on February 15, glucose-control/hypoglycemia-low-blood.html McGuire M, Beerman K. Nutritional Sciences: From Fundamentals to Food. First Edition. Belmont: Thomson Higher Education; National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse. Hypoglycemia. Available at: Accessed on February 6, Reactive Hypoglycemia. Symptoms, Diabetes, Diet. Available at: Accessed on February 8, South Beach Diet. Glycemic Index Food Chart. Available at: Accessed on February 15, University of Illinois At Urbana-Champaign McKinley Health Center. Nutrition for Reactive Hypoglycemia. html. Accessed on February 8, html