How to Eat with Reactive Hypoglycemia

Q: I was recently diagnosed with reactive hypoglycemia. Please suggest a sample meal plan with the total daily carbohydrates I need.

A: Reactive hypoglycemia is quite rare. It is characterized by a fall in blood glucose two to four hours after eating, accompanied by a feeling of weakness, faintness, perspiration, anxiety, and/or hunger. It is not related to the hypoglycemia associated with some blood-glucose-lowering medications, such as insulin or sulfonylureas.

To correctly diagnose reactive hypoglycemia, you should complete a six-hour glucose-tolerance test. This test will determine whether your blood glucose levels indeed fall too low. If your doctor has said you have reactive hypoglycemia, you need to follow a meal plan that helps alleviate your symptoms.

Pay attention to how you feel two to four hours after you eat. Eat three regular meals a day and include snacks between meals and at bedtime.

Your daily carbohydrate intake depends on how many calories you need. It's important to distribute carbohydrates among your meals and snacks. You can start with 30-45 grams of carbohydrates per meal and 15 grams per snack.

Excess weight can complicate your blood glucose condition. If you need to lose weight, reduce your calorie intake but still eat frequently.

Madhu Gadia, M.S., R.D., is a certified diabetes educator.