Q&A: Controlling Hypoglycemia

Q: Do you have any suggestions for controlling hypoglycemia?

A: Hypoglycemia occurs when the amount of glucose in the blood falls below the level needed to maintain adequate energy for normal bodily functions. This energy deficit causes symptoms that range from irritability, headache, and hunger to anxiety, shakiness, and, in extreme cases, hallucinations and loss of consciousness. Severe symptoms are virtually always associated with diabetes drugs, which can drive blood sugar too low—that’s one reason why I’m opposed to aggressive use of these medications.

But hypoglycemia can also affect people without diabetes. To keep your blood sugar on an even keel, you need to eliminate high-glycemic carbohydrates such as sugar, bread, white rice, and anything made with refined grains. These foods are quickly broken down into glucose, causing sharp spikes in blood sugar levels. Your pancreas churns out extra insulin to lower blood sugar, and it sometimes overshoots its mark, dropping levels into the hypoglycemic range.

Focus on eating plenty of fiber-rich vegetables and legumes that cause slow and gradual blood sugar fluctuations. In place of three squares a day, try to eat smaller meals more frequently. Include a moderate amount of protein with each meal and snack, and go easy on fruit. Limit your alcohol intake, and drink it only with food. I also recommend a good daily multivitamin to ensure you are getting enough chromium, B vitamins, and other nutrients involved in blood sugar metabolism.

Hypoglycemia is often an indicator of more serious blood sugar problems to come. Cleaning up your diet and improving your nutritional status will help stave off future problems. — JW

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