Diabetes And Blood Sugar Issues / Question
Published: September 22, 1999
Dear TeenHealthFX,
My doctor said I have hypoglycemia. What does that mean and what should I do?
Signed: Hypoglycemia
Dear Hypoglycemia,
Hypoglycemia is low blood sugar or blood sugar less than 50mg. Often times people who do not eat for a while or have eaten concentrated sweets (candy, cakes, etc.) may feel weak, shaky, confused and moody. Physically, he/she may suffer from headaches and an irregular heart rate. These symptoms represent the body's attempt to keep the blood sugar normal.
Your doctor may have told you to eat healthy foods or follow a Hypoglycemic Meal Plan.
A Hypoglycemic Meal Plan recommends:
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Having several small meals by eating every two to three hours
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Including Complex Carbohydrates in your small meals, such as pasta, bread, cereal, vegetables, beans, and rice.
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Avoiding Simple Carbohydrates, such as soda, candy, and sugar-filled processed foods
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Enjoying fresh fruits as snacks instead of ice cream and cake
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Including fiber, such as salad and bran
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Eating foods rich in protein for snacks and meals, such as lean red meat, poultry and low fat milk products
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Not having alcohol and caffeine filled drinks, such as beer, wine, soda, and coffee
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Maintaining a healthy weight
There are some forms of hypoglycemia requiring you to be under doctor's supervision and take medications. Also, your doctor may recommend a nutritionist who could be very helpful in determining a meal plan that works for you.
As always, FX thinks if you have any unanswered medical concerns, please talk to your doctor.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
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