kly as possible. Additional tests may determine the cause of your low blood sugar.
It is important to treat low blood sugar immediately to avoid long term serious effects. Hypoglycemia resulting from exercise several hours after a meal rarely produces serious symptoms. A glass of orange juice and a piece of bread can correct your blood sugar levels within minutes. However, in people with underlying diseases, fluctuating blood sugar levels are more serious and must be treated with oral or injectable forms of glucose. You can take oral glucose if you are able to swallow. If not, your doctor can give you an injection.
- Oral glucose for people who are able to swallow (10 to 20 g carbohydrate)
- Intravenous glucose for people who are unable to swallow
- Inhaled glucose, for people who are unable to swallow and want to avoid injections.
- Subcutaneous or intramuscular injection of glucagon is an alternative to the above treatments, but the individual must also eat because the effect of glucagon is short
- Intravenous mannitol and glucocorticoids may be used to treat an individual who remains in a coma after glucose levels return to normal
Complementary and Alternative Therapies
Long-term treatment is aimed at the cause of the hypoglycemia, but alternative therapies may also be useful in regulating blood sugar in the short term. Nutritional support should be part of treatment. Inform your physicians about all complementary and alternative treatments. Some of these treatments can interfere with conventional medical therapies. Work with a doctor who is knowledgeable in complementary medicine to find the right mix of treatments for you.Nutrition and Supplements
Following these nutritional tips may help reduce symptoms:
- Eliminate suspected food allergens, such as dairy (milk, cheese, and ice cream), wheat (gluten), soy, corn, preservatives, and chemical food additives. Your doctor may want to test you for food allergies.
- Eat foods high in B-vitamins and iron, such as whole grains (if no allergy), fresh vegetables, and sea vegetables.
- Eat antioxidant foods, including fruits (such as blueberries, cherries, and tomatoes) and vegetables (such as squash and bell pepper).
- Avoid refined foods, such as white breads, pastas, and sugar, unless you need them for an immediate blood sugar increase.
- Soluble fiber, such as flaxseed and pure oat bran, can slow the rate at which dietary sugars enter the blood and help regulate blood sugars throughout the day. Consume 1 to 3 tsp. of either of these fiber sources before meals with a full glass of water. Talk to your doctor first if you have a history of digestive disorders.
- Some doctors may suggest a high protein diet, although evidence is mixed on the benefits. A "Zone"-style diet combines proteins, fats, and carbohydrates in a 30/30/40 ratio and can be very helpful in maintaining stable blood sugar throughout the day. Eat lean meats, preferably those that do not contain hormones or antibiotics. Cold-water fish or beans can also be used for protein. Limit the intake of processed meats, such as fast foods and lunch meats.
- Use healthy cooking oils, such as olive oil or coconut oil.
- Reduce or eliminate trans fatty acids, found in commercially-baked goods, such as cookies, crackers, cakes, French fries, onion rings, donuts, processed foods, and margarine.
- Avoid alcohol and tobacco. Lower caffeine intake, as caffeine impacts several conditions and medications.
- Exercise, if possible, 30 minutes daily, 5 days a week. Light exercise may be advisable at first until you learn to control your blood sugar and manage your diet to tolerate higher intensity exercise.
You may address nutritional deficiencies with the following supplements:
- A daily multivitamin. Containing the antioxidant vitamins A, C, E, the B-complex vitamins, and trace minerals, such as magnesium, calcium, zinc, and selenium.
- Omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish oil. To help reduce inflammation and help with immunity. Omega-3 fatty acids can have a blood-thinning effect. If you take blood-thinning medications, speak to your