Hypoglycemia is caused by an over-production of insulin, either through natural secretions from the pancreas, or from insulin taken for the treatment of diabetes. The surge of insulin causes the blood sugar to suddenly plummet, causing symptoms including headaches, clamminess, shaking, disorientation, and a feeling of panic. In extreme cases, fainting or blacking out can occur. Due to the emotional symptoms, hypoglycemia is often misdiagnosed as depression or a panic disorder. I have suffered with this condition ever since I was a child.

Some doctors do not believe in hypoglycemia that is unrelated to diabetes, which is sometimes referred to as "reactive hypoglycemia." If you are suspicious that you have this disease, and your doctor wants to schedule you for a 3 hour fasting glucose tolerance test, request the 5 hour test instead. If you are indeed hypoglycemic, you will probably get negative results from the 3 hour test, but during the fourth hour, your sugars will drop suddenly, confirming your suspicions. You will feel terrible, as the sugar syrup will cause your reaction to be more severe than usual. Be sure to take a snack with you so that as soon as the test is over, you can eat, because it may not be safe to drive if your sugars are extremely low.

I have found over the years that in a hypoglycemic emergency, while a small amount of sugar will break the cycle of symptoms for a few minutes, the best thing is a protein-based snack such as cheese or peanut butter. In fact, I keep a jar of peanut butter in my desk at work, and sometimes in the car so I can ward off the symptoms at the earliest sign. Since peanut butter has a small amount of sugar, it relieves the immediate symptoms, and the protein will keep you on an even keel for a long period of time. As my mom used to say, "It sticks to your ribs."

Additionally, the first meal of the day can help to combat hypoglycemic symptoms throughout the day. Avoiding simple carbohydrates and consuming protein early in the day seems to keep my blood sugar more consistent, and my chances for a low blood sugar episode are greatly reduced. I have had good results with whole wheat toast and peanut butter or eggs for breakfast. I have also noticed that my blood sugar is normal in the mornings, and if I wait as long as possible to eat breakfast, I maintain a better level of blood sugar throughout the day.

A low fat diet is not recommended for a hypoglycemic person, unless it is high in protein.

So, if you experience the symptoms of hypoglycemia, eat small meals often, avoid simple sugars and make sure you are getting enough protein, and you should see an immediate change in the incidence of the attacks.

Learn more about this author, Veronica Losh.
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