Question
Answer
Sue Luscombe, Honorary Diet & Nutrition Adviser says:
The cause of reactive hypoglycaemia is unclear. The abnormally low blood glucose levels (hypoglycaemia) occur 2-4 hours after carbohydrate intake, with symptoms of dizziness, faintness, nausea and sweating.
The diet guidelines to help the symptoms associated with reactive hypoglycaemia include:
- Eat little and often – Eating regularly throughout the day, for example, 5-6 small meals and snacks, helps regulate the amount of glucose in your bloodstream. ·
- Choose low glycaemic index (GI) foods – Carbohydrate foods that have a low GI (take longer to digest, which means the glucose is released at a slower rate. Low GI foods are often higher in fibre too. Examples include; most fruit, porridge, milk, and yoghurts (preferably low fat), beans, lentils and pulses, sweet potato, pasta, wholegrains such as granary breads, and brown or basmati rice.
- Avoid large portions of starchy carbohydrates – These include potatoes, pasta, bread, and rice. Spreading these types of foods throughout the day will help to reduce the risk of reactive hypoglycaemia.
See Also: Symptoms: Low blood sugar, Blood sugars: Hypoglycaemia
More Information:
East Sussex Healthcare Trust: Reactive Hypoglycaemia
Related Categories
MEDICAL DISCLAIMER
Information provided by The ME Association should not be construed as medical advice. Don't assume any new or worsened symptoms are simply the result of having ME/CFS or Long Covid. We recommend that any information you deem relevant is discussed with your NHS GP as soon as possible. It is important that you seek personalised medical advice from the GP who is in charge of your care and who knows you well.