Discover how to identify and manage reactive hypoglycemia through this comprehensive guide. Learn about its symptoms, causes, and practical tips for blood sugar management to improve your overall health.

Key takeaways

• Reactive hypoglycaemia is a condition where blood glucose levels drop after eating, typically caused by excessive insulin release in response to food intake.
• Common symptoms of reactive hypoglycaemia include dizziness, fatigue, irritability, rapid heartbeat, blurred vision, and hunger.
• To manage reactive hypoglycaemia, maintain a balanced diet, avoid getting too hungry, limit large starchy meals, monitor blood sugar levels, exercise regularly, reduce alcohol intake, and consult a healthcare professional for personalised advice.

Understanding reactive hypoglycaemia

Reactive hypoglycaemia, also known as postprandial hypoglycaemia, is a condition where blood glucose levels drop after eating. This usually happens within 2-4 hours post-meal. It occurs when the body releases excessive insulin in response to food intake. The over-production of insulin can cause blood sugar levels to drop too low, leading to hypoglycaemic symptoms.

The precise cause of reactive hypoglycaemia is unclear. It is believed to originate from the body's inability to manage insulin secretion properly. In some cases, it can be a result of certain medical conditions, such as gastric bypass surgery or pancreatic tumours. However, in many cases, the cause remains unknown.

What happens to my blood sugar levels during reactive hypoglycaemia?

For someone with reactive hypoglycaemia, there are certain patterns to look for in your glucose response. Using a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) is a fantastic tool to show you what's happening to your blood glucose levels in real-time.

Typically, the glucose graph will show an initial rise in blood glucose levels shortly after eating. This increase is expected as carbohydrates are broken down into glucose and absorbed into the bloodstream.

However, in the case of reactive hypoglycaemia, the graph will reveal a rapid and significant drop in blood glucose levels within 2-4 hours post-meal. This decline occurs as the body releases excessive insulin in response to food intake, causing blood sugar levels to plummet below the normal range.

The resulting pattern on the glucose graph resembles a sharp peak followed by a steep drop. These dramatic fluctuations in blood sugar can characterise reactive hypoglycaemia.

Symptoms of reactive hypoglycaemia

Reactive hypoglycaemia can manifest in a range of symptoms that may vary between individuals. When your blood sugar is low, common symptoms include:

• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Fatigue or weakness
• Sweating
• Irritability or mood changes
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat
• Blurred vision
• Headaches
• Shakiness or trembling
• Difficulty concentrating or confusion
• Hunger

It is important to note that these symptoms can also be indicative of other health conditions. If you experience these symptoms, consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and personalised advice.

Managing reactive hypoglycaemia

The good news is that there are some things you can do to limit the likelihood of reactive hypoglycaemia. Here are some strategies:

• Balanced meals: Ensure that your meals are balanced with low glycaemic index (GI) carbohydrates, protein, fats, and fibre. Low GI carbohydrates release glucose into the bloodstream more slowly. This can help to maintain stable blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of insulin spikes.
• Avoid getting too hungry: Hunger can lead to poor food choices that have a high glycaemic load, resulting in a glucose spike. This is often when you reach for high sugar, high fat foods. Instead, aim to eat balanced meals throughout the day to keep your blood sugar levels stable.
• Limit large, starchy meals: Large meals with a high proportion of starchy carbohydrates can lead to a higher glucose response. This can increase the likelihood of an insulin surge, followed by a rapid drop in levels. Opt for smaller portions and choose lower GI carbohydrates.
• Monitor your blood sugar readings: Regularly check your blood glucose levels using a CGM sensor or blood glucose metre to identify patterns and potential triggers for reactive hypoglycaemia. This information can be invaluable in helping you adjust your eating habits and manage your condition more effectively.
• Exercise regularly: Engage in regular physical activity to help maintain stable blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity. Exercise can also help with weight management, which is important for maintaining overall health and reducing the risk of other health complications.
• Reduce your alcohol intake where possible: Drinking alcohol can contribute to reactive hypoglycaemia in some individuals, particularly those with diabetes or a predisposition to low blood sugar. When blood glucose levels are already low due to a meal, alcohol consumption can exacerbate the situation by further inhibiting glucose release from the liver.
• Consult a healthcare professional: For more support regarding your glucose responses, talk to a healthcare professional to develop a personalised approach to stabilising blood glucose responses. They may recommend further blood sugar testing if needed, to better understand your condition and provide tailored advice.

Managing reactive hypoglycaemia can be challenging. But, by incorporating these strategies into your daily routine, you can maintain stable blood sugar levels and improve your overall health. Checking your blood sugar with a CGM is a great place to start.

Understanding the symptoms of reactive hypoglycaemia can help you identify the condition and seek appropriate treatment. Monitoring your blood sugar readings, eating a balanced diet, and staying physically active are crucial steps to keep reactive hypoglycaemia at bay.

Vively is an innovative holistic health app designed to give you visibility on your glucose control. The app integrates with CGMs to give you an understanding of how your lifestyle impacts your health in real-time.