- What is a reactive hypoglycemia?
- Reactive hypoglycemia - causes
- Reactive hypoglycemia - symptoms
- Reactive hypoglycemia - diagnosis
- Reactive hypoglycemia - treatment
- Reactive hypoglycemia and diet
- Reactive hypoglycaemia - what to do in the event of a hypoglycaemic attack?
- Reactive hypoglycemia and pregnancy
Reactive hypoglycemia is a state of hypoglycemia in people who do not have diabetes. It usually occurs a few hours after eating a meal - hence its alternative name - "postprandial hypoglycemia". Its symptoms are characteristic of a sharp drop in sugar levels. What are the causes and symptoms of reactive hypoglycemia?
The blood glucose level in a he althy person is not a constant value -it changes throughout the dayand depends onlifestyle, diet and type of exercise physical activities .the lowest glucose levelisin the morningwhen we arefasting.In a he althy person glucose rises after a mealbut remains within the normal range. In people withreactive hypoglycemia , glucose levels drop sharply after eating.
What is a reactive hypoglycemia?
Condition where blood glucose levels dropbelow normalof55-70 mg / dLwithin a few hours after a meal called isreactive hypoglycemia . People struggling withabnormal glucose and insulin metabolism are particularly exposed tohypoglycaemia .
Reactive hypoglycemia - causes
The causes of reactive hypoglycaemia may have different sources:
- occurs in people leading an unhygienic lifestyle who, for example, eat their first meal in the afternoon, take irregular meals, smoke cigarettes, abuse alcohol, are exposed to the stress of everyday life,
- may develop in people aftergastrectomyorsmall intestine ,
- may be the result of fructose intolerance,
- may be idiopathic (of unknown cause).
Reactive hypoglycemia - symptoms
Among the symptoms of reactive hypoglycaemia, the most common symptoms are symptoms typical of low blood glucose, i.e.
- dizziness,
- nervousness,
- feeling anxious,
- fatigue,
- weakness,
- irritability,
- hunger pangs after a meal,
- shaking hands,
- excessive sweating.
Reactive hypoglycemia - diagnosis
The first step to diagnosed reactive hypoglycemiaisan interview with a doctor . Then theglucose tolerance testis performed. oralglucose load test.
A typical glucose load test istesting your fasting blood glucose and 2 hours after drinking 75g of glucose.
In some questionable clinical situations, this test is performedwith a longer duration of subsequent glucose tests.
Confirmation of reactive hypoglycaemia islow glucose level in any blood sample after drinking glucose.
Reactive hypoglycemia - treatment
Treating reactive hypoglycemiamainly meanschanging your eating habits and the type of diet you are taking.The key is to keep your body from began to produce excessive amounts of insulin.
There is no evidence of the efficacy of pharmacological treatmentof reactive hypoglycemia. Despite attempts to usemetformin , there are still no drugs licensed for the treatment of this condition.
Reactive hypoglycemia and diet
Helpful in avoiding a reactive hypoglycaemic attack is:
- avoiding simple sugars in sweet drinks and fruit juices,
- using a diet based on complex carbohydrates,
- regular consumption of meals in small portions - 3-5 times a day,
- avoiding alcohol consumption,
- avoiding heavy meals and starving yourself.
Reactive hypoglycaemia - what to do in the event of a hypoglycaemic attack?
If you experience reactive hypoglycaemia, you shouldraise your blood glucose immediatelyby ingesting a small amount of simple sugars. Symptoms such as hand tremors, excessive appetite and headaches should then disappear.
In most patients with reactive hypoglycaemia, it is sufficientto follow dietandnutritional recommendationsto avoid further seizures. Activity is also important in combatingpostprandial hypoglycemiabecauseexercisehelps to stabilize blood glucose levels. Morning training is recommended - before eating your first meal.
Reactive hypoglycemia and pregnancy
Reactive hypoglycaemia is not a contraindication to pregnancy. Pregnant women should follow the same dietary guidelines as the rest of patients with postprandial hypoglycaemia.
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