Hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia means low (hypo) glucose (gly) levels in the blood (aemia). If your blood glucose levels are low you will feel very tired, hungry, dizzy (light headed), physically unstable and even confused. When your blood glucose levels are too low, your body can not function normally, due to a lack of energy. The body requires insulin in order for glucose to enter cells and release energy to your body. The brain does not need insulin to use its glucose for energy. The brain uses glucose exclusively as an energy source.

When the body over-produces insulin, all the glucose is converted to energy, creating a shortage of glucose. This causes hypoglycemia; a state in which the body can not function optimally. This condition is known as reactive hypoglycemia. Chronic stress, unhealthy eating habits, frequently missed meals, and 'junk' food can all contribute to reactive hypoglycemia.

Nutritional intervention

• To avoid this problem, it is very important to eat regular meals. (6 smaller meals per day)
• These meals must be low GI to avoid over stimulation of the pancreas, which would otherwise result in over-production of insulin).
• Avoid sugary foods