 doctor before taking omega-3 fatty acids.
- Vitamin C. As an antioxidant and for immune support.
- Alpha-lipoic acid. For antioxidant support. Alpha-lipoic acid can potentially interact with certain chemotherapy medicines.
- Magnesium, for nutrient support. If you are taking blood pressure medication or other heart medication, speak to your doctor before taking magnesium. Magnesium can interfere with certain medications, including some antibiotics and biphosphate medication.
- Chromium. For blood sugar regulation. If you have liver or kidney issues, or a history of psychiatric issues, talk to your doctor before starting chromium supplements.
- Probiotic supplement (containing Lactobacillus acidophilus). When needed for maintenance of gastrointestinal and immune health. If you are immune compromised, or on immunosuppressive drugs, speak to your doctor before taking probiotics. Some acidophilus products may need refrigeration -- read labels carefully.
Herbs are a way to strengthen and tone the body's systems. As with any therapy, you should work with your health care provider to diagnose your problem before starting any treatment. You may use herbs as dried extracts (capsules, powders, or teas), glycerites (glycerine extracts), or tinctures (alcohol extracts). People with a history of alcoholism should not take tinctures. Unless otherwise indicated, make teas with 1 tsp. herb per cup of hot water. Steep covered 5 to 10 minutes for leaf or flowers, and 10 to 20 minutes for roots. Drink 2 to 4 cups per day. You may use tinctures singly or in combination as noted. If you are pregnant or nursing, talk to your doctor before using any herbal products.
- Green tea (Camellia sinensis). For antioxidant effects. You may also prepare teas from the leaf of this herb. Caffeine-free products are available and preferable.
- Holy basil (Ocimum sanctum). For stress balance. You can also prepare teas from the plant. Holy basil may slow blood clotting and therefore increase the effect of blood-thinning medicines, such as warfarin (Coumadin). There may be an interaction with Phenobarbitol.
Acupuncture may decrease stress, increase coping skills, and regulate hormone function.
Any underlying condition that may be causing your hypoglycemia must be aggressively treated so that your episodes do not recur. If you have hypoglycemia when you exercise, carry a healthy snack with you. hypoglycemia causes a cascade of effects that may induce stress and cardiac arrhythmias (irregular heart beat), contribute to sudden cardiac death, and cause bleeding in the brain. Speak to your doctor.
DO NOT ignore the signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia. Untreated, it can cause irreversible brain damage, coma, or even death.
Alagiakrishnan K. Approach to managing hypoglycemia in elderly patients with diabetes. Postgrad Med. 2010;122(3):129-37.
Bergqvist AG, Schall JI, Gallagher PR, et al. Fasting versus gradual initiation of the ketogenic diet: a prospective, randomized clinical trial of efficacy. Epilepsia. 2005;46(11):1810-9.
Campbell-Tofte JI, Mølgaard P, Josefsen K, et al. Randomized and double-blinded pilot clinical study of the safety and anti-diabetic efficacy of the Rauvolfia-Citrus tea, as used in Nigerian traditional medicine. J Ethnopharmacol. 2011;133(2):402-11.
Chen XW, Serag ES, Sneed KB, et al. Clinical herbal interactions with conventional drugs: from molecules to maladies. Curr Med Chem. 2011.
Choudhary P. The use of technology to reduce hypoglycemia. Pediatr Endocrinol Rev. 2010;7 Suppl 3:384-95.
Dailey G. Assessing glycemic control with self-monitoring of blood glucose and hemoglobin A(1c) measurements. Mayo Clin Proc. 2007;82(2):229-35; quiz 236.
De Feo P, Di Loreto C, Ranchelli A, et al. Exercise and diabetes. Acta Biomed. 2006;77 Suppl 1:14-7.
Finfer S, Liu B, Chittock DR, et al. Hypoglycemia and risk of death in critically ill patients. N Engl J Med. 2012;367(12):1108-18.
Frier BM. Managing hypoglycaemia. Practitioner. 2005;249(1673):564, 566, 568 passim. Review.
Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 25th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Else