Your body needs a normal amount of blood sugar (glucose) to function properly. When the blood sugar dips below 70 mg/dL, a condition known as hypoglycemia may occur. A number of symptoms usually ensue: confusion, visual disturbance (double vision or blurred vision), heart palpitations, tremor, anxiety, sweating and hunger. In some extreme cases, seizure and loss of consciousness may happen. Hypoglycemia is not a disease, but an indication of a health problem, usually related to diabetes. To restore normal blood sugar, it is essential for the body to get glucose fast.
Causes of Hypoglycemia
There are a number of factors that can cause hypoglycemia, especially common among diabetic patients from taking too much insulin or other diabetes medication. According to Mayoclinic.com, "Hypoglycemia and Diabetes: Treat Low Blood Sugar," common factors of hypoglycemia include not eating enough, skipping or delaying a meal, increasing physical activity without eating enough or alcohol consumption.
Liquid Diet for Hypoglycemia
If you suspect you have hypoglycemia, check your blood sugar level to make sure. If that is the case, it is imperative to get your blood sugar level up quickly in order to prevent it from dipping dangerously low. A liquid diet can provide quick glucose replenishment. Some liquids contain glucose to raise blood sugar levels. Drink 4oz. of fruit juice. If you don't have juice, opt for 5 to 6oz. of regular--not diet--soda. One teaspoon of sugar or jelly can also provide quick glucose supply. If you have a history of hypoglycemic problems, carry glucose tablets as these can be eaten or can be dissolved in water to provide glucose.
According to the University of Maryland's Medical Center article "Treat Low Blood Sugar," there is a simple rule to deal with hypoglycemia: the 15-15 rule. After drinking a liquid containing 15g of carbs, wait 15 minutes for your blood sugar level to go up. If it doesn't, have another 15g of carbs, and wait another 15 minutes to test again.
There are also light liquid foods that you can eat in between meals to keep your blood sugar level steady. According to hypoglycemia.org, "The Importance of Individualizing Your Hypoglycemia Diet," aim to eat six small meals or three main meals with healthy snacks between to keep blood sugar levels within a normal range. Between meals, you may want to consider healthy liquid foods like low-fat milk, low-sugar, low-carbohydrate smoothies, vegetable juice or low-fat vegetable soups.
Alcoholic Beverages
Avoid alcoholic beverages. According to the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse article "What I Need to Know About Eating and Diabetes," alcohol can interfere with the liver's ability to raise blood glucose. Hypoglycemia related to excessive drinking can be serious and sometimes fatal.
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