Hypoglycemia Management

Managing Hypoglycemia can be a real challenge, whether you are diabetic, pre-diabetic, or simply prone to low blood sugar. The most critical step in successfully managing hypoglycemia is developing a clear understanding of how it works. There are three different causes of hypoglycemia, and each type has a unique approach toward hypoglycemia management. Identifying which type of hypoglycemia you are suffering from is the second step to controlling your hypoglycemic symptoms. Finding a doctor that has a good understanding of your individual body chemistry, and will tailor a treatment program to your needs is absolutely imperative in hypoglycemia management as well. Finally, committing to a lifetime of healthy choices is the best route to successfully managing hypoglycemia.

Hypoglycemia simply means 'low blood sugar'. The source of all the energy that your body uses is sugar in the blood. Your brain, in particular, needs that sugar- if your blood sugar gets too low, you may find yourself having irritable, anxious, or even having a seizure, according to the Johns Hopkins family health book! For that reason, a good plan for hypoglycemia management is very important.

Each type of hypoglycemia is different and requires different types of hypoglycemia management. The first type is reactive hypoglycemia, which is a result of impaired carbohydrate metabolism. Managing hypoglycemia when it is the result of excess insulin in the bloodstream can be difficult. If you have a sensitive carbohydrate metabolism, you may have reactive hypoglycemia. In this situation, if you eat something sugary or starchy, it causes a blood sugar spike. Your body, being over-sensitive to carbohydrates, produces a large amount of insulin in order to lower the blood sugar. The large amount of insulin reduces blood sugar below the normal bounds, and causes distress. Common symptoms of low blood sugar, as discussed in the website Diagnose Me, can include mood changes, anxiety, night-sweats, dizziness, and nausea, as well as many more extreme symptoms such as hallucinations and coma. Reactive hypoglycemia management can only be accomplished through careful eating habits. Avoiding foods that cause the reaction is the key to managing hypoglycemia in this situation.

Hypoglycemia management is much less complicated for the other two types of low blood sugar. A diabetic, for instance, can be prone to having hypoglycemic episodes when their insulin dosage is incorrect. Managing hypoglycemia that is caused by an overdose of insulin can be easily prevented. In order to prevent this type of hypoglycemic reaction, you must simply consult with your doctor in order to modify your insulin dosage until it no longer causes a reaction. In addition, your doctor will probably suggest that you keep glucose tablets, or hard candies with you in case of a low blood sugar reaction.

Fasting hypoglycemia is the only type of low blood sugar that does not relate to an overdose of insulin. Managing hypoglycemia that is the result of fasting, or going too long without eating, is extremely simple. According to the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse, patients who are prone to low blood sugar when fasting can accomplish successful hypoglycemia management by eating every few hours in order to maintain a stable level of blood sugar.

Regardless of the type of hypoglycemia that occurs, you should always consult with a physician prior to embarking on any type of treatment. It is important, however, to ensure that you are working with a doctor who has a thorough understanding of hypoglycemia, and is willing to work with you as a unique patient. Don't hesitate to shop around, and interview several doctors prior to starting a course of testing and treatment. The advice of a competent doctor is key to successful hypoglycemia management.

The doctor you choose, if he or she understands blood sugar metabolism, will explain to you the link between your diet and your blood sugar. He or she will help you to understand the way different foods affect your body, and will help you plan your diet according to your personal needs. Often, this involves the use of a food and/or activity diary. Managing hypoglycemia can be difficult, but making a firm commitment to following the advice of your physician, and eating according to the plan that has the best effect on your blood sugar, is vital.

Low blood sugar, also known as hypoglycemia, can affect anyone. It is more common than many think, and can result from an impaired carbohydrate metabolism, an overdose of injected insulin, or a lack of food. Hypoglycemia management can be handled easily, in each circumstance, but must be overseen by a competent physician. Making a life-long commitment to your health, by following the plan advised by your doctor will help you manage hypoglycemia in the long term.

Michael J. Klag. http://books.google.com/books?id=ctgRvpcgd9sC&pg=PA1183&lpg=PA1183&dq=hypoglycemis,+speed+of+drop&source=web&ots=1t7jjddWjR&sig=NGU6PbmqTblSbJFufS9pR6ZzLts&hl=en&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=6&ct=result#PPA372,M1 Johns Hopkins family health book.

Diagnose Me. http://www.diagnose-me.com/cond/C18558.html Hypoglycemia

National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse http://diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/dm/pubs/hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemia