Are You Really Hypoglycemic?

I sometimes say that I'm "hypoglycemic" and for me that's just code for "I'm getting kind of light headed and I need to eat something PDQ." It usually happens to me when I've had a caffeinated beverage without eating something at the same time. I call it "hypoglycemic" because it feels a little like I think having low blood sugar would feel. But maybe, at least for me, "caffeine sensitive" might be the more accurate term. It isn't just me that seems to throw the term around loosely though.

So what is hypoglycemia and does it really exist in people who don't have diabetes?

The true definition of hypoglycemia is low blood sugar-below 50 and it isn't very common in people without diabetes. It is possible that some of us are more sensitive to quick changes in our blood sugar (so we may still have normal blood sugar levels but the quick change is causing us to have symptoms). With reactive hypoglycemia the body may overreact to fast absorbed carbohydrates (like from sugars), but in my experience caffeine and PMS-type hormones can bring about a feeling of hypoglycemia more so than sugar intake in some people. And eating balanced meals (with protein and fiber) seems to help minimize lower blood sugars for some.

If you think you have reactive hypoglycemia, it's best to get a proper diagnosis from your doctor.

And here are a few diet tips that might help reduce the symptoms of reactive hypoglycemia:

• Eat five small meals a day that are nicely balanced with a mixture of complex carbohydrate (whole grains, vegetable and beans), protein and some smart fat (monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fat).


• If you are sensitive to the body's reaction to sugars, eat them in sensible servings WITH other foods and not by themselves.


• Avoid caffeine, especially during the time of day when you seem the most sensitive to it.

Related Topics:

• WebMD Video: Non-Diabetics Can Have Hypoglycemia?
• Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar) in People Without Diabetes