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Reactive hypoglycemia: What can I do?
By Mayo Clinic staffOriginal Article: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/reactive-hypoglycemia/AN00934
- With Mayo Clinic endocrinologist
Maria Collazo-Clavell, M.D.
read biographyclose windowBiography of
Maria Collazo-Clavell, M.D.
Maria Collazo-Clavell, M.D.
Dr. Maria Collazo-Clavell is board certified in internal medicine, endocrinology, diabetes and metabolism. She's a consultant in the Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Metabolism & Nutrition at Mayo Clinic and an associate professor at College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic.
The Aibonito, Puerto Rico, native has been with Mayo Clinic since 1994.
She's a member of the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, the American College of Endocrinology, the American Diabetes Association and The Endocrine Society.
Dr. Collazo-Clavell is medical editor of diabetes content on Mayo's health information website and for "Mayo Clinic The Essential Diabetes Book." Her clinical interests include management of type 1 and type 2 diabetes, obesity and nutritional disorders.
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Question
Reactive hypoglycemia: What can I do?
I think I have reactive hypoglycemia. How can I address my symptoms?
Answer
from Maria Collazo-Clavell, M.D.
Reactive hypoglycemia (or alimentary hypoglycemia) is low blood sugar that occurs after a meal — usually one to three hours after eating. Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) usually occurs while fasting. Signs and symptoms of reactive hypoglycemia may include hunger, weakness, shakiness, sleepiness, lightheadedness, anxiety and confusion.
Reactive hypoglycemia is often difficult to diagnose, because it's possible to have symptoms that are similar to reactive hypoglycemia without actually having the condition. Generally, a medical evaluation is done to determine whether symptoms are caused by low blood sugar — and whether symptoms resolve once blood sugar returns to normal. Further evaluation of reactive hypoglycemia depends on the severity of signs and symptoms.
For the majority of people, reactive hypoglycemia usually doesn't require medical treatment. It may help to pay attention to the timing and composition of your meals:
- Eat several small meals and snacks throughout the day, no more than three hours apart.
- Eat a well-balanced diet including lean and nonmeat sources of protein and high-fiber foods including whole grains, fruit and vegetables.
- Avoid or limit sugary foods, especially on an empty stomach.
- Be sure to eat food if you're consuming alcohol and avoid using sugary soft drinks as mixers.
For some, particularly those who have had intestinal surgery (gastric bypass or surgery for the management of ulcer disease) further evaluation by a doctor may be warranted, but dietary changes are still recommended.
It's also important to include physical activity in your daily routine.
Next questionHyperinsulinemia: Is it diabetes?
- Hypoglycemia. National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse. http://diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/dm/pubs/hypoglycemia. Accessed Aug. 27, 2010.
- Masharani U, et al. Hypoglycemic disorders. In: Gardner DG, et al. Greenspan's Basic & Clinical Endocrinology. 8th ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill; 2007. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=2631469&searchStr=reactive+hypoglycemia. Accessed Aug. 29, 2010.
- Masharani U. Diabetes mellitus & hypoglycemia. In: McPhee SJ, et al. Current Medical Diagnosis & Treatment 2010. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill; 2010. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=16055&searchStr=reactive+hypoglycemia#16055. Accessed Aug. 29, 2010.
- Cryer PE. Hypoglycemia. In: Fauci AS, et al. Harrison's Online. 17th ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill; 2008. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=2876013&searchStr=reactive+hypoglycemia#2876013. Accessed Aug. 31, 2010.
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