Hypoglycemia is a frustrating and dangerous condition that occurs when the body's blood glucose levels dip below normal. The episodes can be mild or severe and can set in very quickly. The implications are serious. Severe or recurring hypoglycemia can result in brain damage, unconsciousness, coma or even death. Dr. David Williams, author of "Hypoglycemia: The Deadly Roller Coaster" warns that there are as many as 100 million people in the United States who may suffer bouts of hypoglycemia and that failure to get educated about it can be dangerous to your health.
Function
The carbohydrates we eat convert into glucose in our bloodstream. The pancreas secretes a hormone called insulin in response to the rise in the blood glucose level. The insulin then bonds with the blood glucose, which allows it to be absorbed in our system and provide fuel for the body. Normal blood glucose levels are between 70 mg/dl (milligrams of glucose to deciliters of blood) and 120 mg/dl. A dip in the blood glucose level below 70 can result in a condition known as hypoglycemia.
Causes
Although diabetics are prone to many hypoglycemic episodes, the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse states that diabetes aside, hypoglycemia is uncommon in children older than 10. It can result from some combinations of medications, diseases such as hyperinsulinism, tumors or hormone and enzyme deficiencies. Severe physical or mental stress can also trigger hypoglycemia.
If a person suffers from recurrent hypoglycemia and a specific source of the condition cannot be found, it is probable that a diet loaded with simple carbohydrates and processed sugar is the cause. These foods absorb into the system very quickly and produce a large quantity of blood glucose. The pancreas goes into overdrive to produce enough insulin to counteract it and usually produces too much, sending the body into a hypoglycemic crash.
Diet
Studies show success both with high protein/low carbohydrate and low protein/high carbohydrate diets. This is probably because the cause of hypoglycemia is highly individualized and so the diet should be as well. But anyone suffering from hypoglycemia should avoid processed sugar, other simple carbohydrates, alcohol, caffeine and tobacco.
Aim for a 1,500 to 1,600 daily caloric intake. The high protein/low carbohydrate diet is much lower in calories than the alternative. To keep the calories down, try to get 50 percent of your protein intake from soy rather than animals.
Consult the Glycemic Index (GI) to determine the right carbohydrates to add into your meal planning. The Glycemic index ranks all carbohydrates on a 1 to 100 scale, with 100 being pure glucose, by how long they take to absorb into the system and how much blood glucose they will release. Foods with a GI index of less than 55 are considered good carbohydrates. Foods with a GI index of 77 or higher should be avoided at all costs, while those in the middle should be consumed only occasionally and in moderation.
According to the Glycemic Index, you should choose multi-grain or whole grain breads over white breads. Instant rice rates low on the GI scale, while both white and brown rice both fall in the mid-range. Whole milk is slightly better for you than skimmed milk, and low-fat ice cream is fine to eat. Not all fruits are created equal and some are actually very bad for hypoglycemics , so be sure to consult the Glycemic Index for more information.
Tags: blood glucose, Glycemic Index, absorb into, absorb into system, blood glucose level