The treatment of reactive hypoglycemia mostly revolves around some simple precautionary measures, which help in curbing it over a period.
Reactive hypoglycemia is a medical condition characterized by recurrent episodes of symptomatic hypoglycemia. Unlike hypoglycemia, which occurs when the person is fasting, reactive hypoglycemia normally occurs a few hours after the meal. More importantly, this health condition is not just restricted to people suffering from diabetes; even non-diabetics are vulnerable to it.
An Overview of the Condition
Causes
The form of hypoglycemia is normally caused when the blood sugar level drops, irrespective of the food intake, owing to excess production of insulin by the pancreas. Additionally, intense exercising and skipping meals (in case of diabetics) is also known to trigger this disorder. Reactive hypoglycemia is further divided into various subtypes, depending on its causes.
- Alimentary hypoglycemia
- Congenital enzyme deficiencies
- Hormonal hypoglycemia
- Helicobacter pylori-induced gastritis
- Late hypoglycemia
Some studies reveal that the ailment is caused due to the lack of glucagon hormone, while some suggest that the sensitivity of the human body to epinephrine is responsible for it.
Symptoms
Most prominent symptoms include dizziness, excessive sweating, headache, sleeplessness, weakness, fatigue, etc. There are chances that these symptoms may further aggravate and lead to more severe complications, such as panic attack, heart palpitations, and even coma. The person may also experience difficulty in concentrating, irritability, and poor coordination. Hunger, increased appetite, and craving for sweets are also associated with this ailment. Being aware of these symptoms makes the diagnosis of this condition easier, as a result of which its treatment can be initiated at the earliest.
Reactive Hypoglycemia Treatment
Diagnosis is a tough task as the traces of the fact that you were suffering from an episode of reactive hypoglycemia vanish within a few hours after the sugar levels return to normal. Researchers are trying their best to figure out a concrete formula for diagnosing the ailment, but as of now their efforts haven’t yielded any results. So the medical practitioners are left with no other option, but to rely on the symptoms of this disorder to diagnose it.
Its treatment is a continuous process which involves several dos and don’ts. High-fiber foods with medium to low Glycemic Index should be consumed, while foods high in Glycemic Index should be strictly avoided. These foods are readily absorbed into the bloodstream due to which the pancreas overreact and produce excess insulin. Foods high in sugar and starch content should also be avoided. Recommended food items include whole grain, meat, poultry, fish, fruit, dairy products, vegetables, etc.
Eating small meals over regular intervals throughout the day and exercising regularly also helps in the treatment of this health condition. Ideal diet for this form of hypoglycemia includes foods rich in protein and low in carbohydrates. If this diet doesn’t yield any results, then slight modifications will be recommended by the health professional. For instance, adding small amount of soluble fibers can help in relieving various symptoms associated with the disorder.
Symptoms of reactive hypoglycemia are similar to the symptoms of several complex diseases, which makes prompt diagnosis of the condition all the more important. We can only hope that the ongoing research will become successful some time soon, thus making diagnosis and treatment of this disorder easier than what it is today.
