Reactive hypoglycemia

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Reactive hypoglycemia is a medical term describing recurrent episodes of symptomatic hypoglycemia occurring 2-4 hours after a high carbohydrate meal (or oral glucose load). It is thought to represent a consequence of excessive insulin release triggered by the carbohydrate meal but continuing past the digestion and disposal of the glucose derived from the meal.

The prevalence of this condition is difficult to ascertain and controversial, because a number of stricter or looser definitions have been used, and because many healthy, asymptomatic people can have glucose tolerance test patterns said to be characteristic of reactive hypoglycemia. It has been proposed that the term reactive hypoglycemia be reserved for the pattern of postprandial hypoglycemia which meets the Whipple criteria (symptoms correspond to measurably low glucose and are relieved by raising the glucose), and that the term idiopathic postprandial syndrome be used for similar patterns of symptoms where abnormally low glucose levels at the time of symptoms cannot be documented.

[edit] Common Symptoms

Although symptoms vary according to individuals' sensitivity to the elevation and decline of glucose levels, some of the more common symptoms are:

fatigue
headaches
palpitations
depression
nervousness
irritability
tremors
flushing
cravings for sweets
increased appetite
rhinitis
sweating
epileptic-type response to rapidly flashing bright lights

[edit] Causes and Treatment

To relieve reactive hypoglycemia, some health professionals recommend taking the following steps:

eat small meals and snacks about every 3 hours
exercise regularly
eat a variety of foods, including meat, poultry, fish, or nonmeat sources of protein; foods such as whole-grain bread; fruits; vegetables; and dairy products
choose high-fiber foods
avoid or limit foods high in sugar, especially on an empty stomach
avoid alcohol, caffeine, highly starchy foods such as white rice, potatoes (except sweet potatoes), corn, and popcorn

Your doctor can refer you to a registered dietitian for personalized meal planning advice. Although some health professionals recommend a diet high in protein and low in carbohydrates, studies have not proven the effectiveness of this kind of diet for reactive hypoglycemia.