Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsHow Food and Fasting Affect SymptomsScheduling Meals and SnacksTypes of FoodsFoods to AvoidQuick FixSummaryFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
How Food and Fasting Affect Symptoms
Scheduling Meals and Snacks
Types of Foods
Foods to Avoid
Quick Fix
Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
You can still have low blood sugar even if you don’t havediabetes. Hypoglycemia occurs when your fasting blood sugar is too low. Nondiabetic hypoglycemia refers to the condition in which a person without diabetes experiences low blood glucose (sugar).
Nondiabetic hypoglycemia can happen within a few hours of eating or while fasting, when you haven’t eaten. The latter may be related to a more serious health condition.
Verywell / Joules Garcia
Hypoglycemia is when your blood sugar level drops below 70 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL).
Symptoms of hypoglycemia include:
These symptoms occur because your body is not getting enough glucose to keep your brain functioning properly. Your brain uses glucose as its main source of energy.
When you eat, whatever you choose will have an impact on your blood sugar level. Some foods are known to raise your blood sugar level more quickly than others, and this must be taken into account when trying to manage hypoglycemia at home.
The Link Between Blood Sugar and Anxiety
When you plan your meals and snacks, it ensures that you’re eating enough of a variety of foods to keep yourblood glucose normal. This is particularly important when you experience nondiabetic hypoglycemia. Managing your blood glucose means preventing symptoms.
For people who are prone to having low blood sugar, it’s recommended that they eat smaller meals and snacks throughout the day. They should also eat about every three or four hours
There is no such thing as “good” and “bad” food, but there are better and worse options when it comes to what and when you eat when you have nondiabetic hypoglycemia. Certain foods and lifestyle changes can help you prevent or manage hypoglycemia.
What Is the Glycemic Index?The glycemic index (GI) food score is a tool you can use to understand how certain foods affect your blood sugar. Foods on the lower end of the scale are known to have a slower impact on your blood glucose, whereas foods on the higher end are known to have a much quicker effect. If you have low blood sugar, higher-GI foods may be better for you.
What Is the Glycemic Index?
The glycemic index (GI) food score is a tool you can use to understand how certain foods affect your blood sugar. Foods on the lower end of the scale are known to have a slower impact on your blood glucose, whereas foods on the higher end are known to have a much quicker effect. If you have low blood sugar, higher-GI foods may be better for you.
Eating tips for managing blood sugar levels:
Cinnamon and Blood GlucoseCinnamon is a common household spice that has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. Research has found that cinnamon lowers fasting blood glucose levels and signals insulin release.This is true of both extracts and cinnamon sticks.
Cinnamon and Blood Glucose
Cinnamon is a common household spice that has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. Research has found that cinnamon lowers fasting blood glucose levels and signals insulin release.This is true of both extracts and cinnamon sticks.
To prevent reactive hypoglycemia, it’s recommended not to indulge in foods that cause a quick spike in blood glucose, which signals a spike ininsulinand results in a drop in blood glucose. Your goal is to prevent drastic changes to your blood glucose. (This does not apply to treating a hypoglycemic episode but to preventing one).
Other types of food to avoid include:
Glycemic Index Chart for Common Foods
The only way to be certain if you’re experiencing hypoglycemia is to check your blood sugar level with a glucose monitor. If you are having a hypoglycemic attack, then you need to get your blood sugar balanced quickly.
The American Diabetes Association recommends treating hypoglycemia with the 15-15 rule, which states that you should:
What to Eat for the 15-15 RuleThe 15 grams of carbohydrates you need to consume for the 15-15 rule can be:Glucose tablets (check label for instructions)Gel tube (check label for instructions)4 ounces (one-half cup) of juice or regular soda (not diet)1 tablespoon of sugar, honey, or corn syrupHard candies, jelly beans, or gumdrops (see label for how many to consume)
What to Eat for the 15-15 Rule
The 15 grams of carbohydrates you need to consume for the 15-15 rule can be:Glucose tablets (check label for instructions)Gel tube (check label for instructions)4 ounces (one-half cup) of juice or regular soda (not diet)1 tablespoon of sugar, honey, or corn syrupHard candies, jelly beans, or gumdrops (see label for how many to consume)
The 15 grams of carbohydrates you need to consume for the 15-15 rule can be:
If you’re experiencing recurrent hypoglycemia attacks, you should see your healthcare provider to find out why they are happening and if you need to take additional steps to prevent or manage these attacks.
Low blood sugar is not as common in people without diabetes, but it’s just as serious when it happens. When you experience the symptoms of hypoglycemia, follow the 15-15 rule to gradually bring your blood sugar back up. If it happens often, talk to your healthcare provider.
The hypoglycemia diet is a personalized diet designed to help manage blood sugar levels. Every person has different nutritional needs, so the foods included in the diet will vary from one person to another. However, in many cases, certain foods and drinks are reduced or avoided on the hypoglycemia diet; these can include sugar-rich foods, alcohol, caffeine, and tobacco.Learn MoreWhat is the Hypoglycemia Diet?
The hypoglycemia diet is a personalized diet designed to help manage blood sugar levels. Every person has different nutritional needs, so the foods included in the diet will vary from one person to another. However, in many cases, certain foods and drinks are reduced or avoided on the hypoglycemia diet; these can include sugar-rich foods, alcohol, caffeine, and tobacco.
Learn MoreWhat is the Hypoglycemia Diet?
Learn MoreCauses and Risk Factors of Hypoglycemia
The reactive hypoglycemia diet is one way to help prevent an episode ofreactive hypoglycemia, or when blood sugar levels drop shortly after eating. This diet encourages eating smaller, more frequent meals that are balanced, with a variety of foods that include protein, whole-grain carbs, fruits, vegetables, dairy, and fiber. It also recommends limiting sugar-rich foods or processed, simple carbs.
8 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Eckert-Norton M, Kirk S.Non-diabetic hypoglycemia.The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. 2013 Oct 1;98(10):39A-39A. doi:10.1210/jc.2013-v98i10-39AUW Health.Nutrition management of low blood sugar without diabetes (postprandial syndrome and reactive hypoglycemia).Stuart K, Field A, Raju J, Ramachandran S.Postprandial reactive hypoglycaemia: Varying presentation patterns on extended glucose tolerance tests and possible therapeutic approaches.Case Rep Med. 2013 Jan 10;2013:273957. doi:10.1155/2013/273957University of California San Francisco.Treating low blood sugar.Harvard Health.Glycemic index of 60+ foods.Davis PA, Yokoyama W.Cinnamon intake lowers fasting blood glucose: meta-analysis.J Med Food. 2011 Sept;14(9):884-889. doi:10.1089/jmf.2010.0180American Diabetes Association.Low blood glucose (hypoglycemia).Hypoglycemia Support Foundation.Diet for hypoglycemia.
8 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Eckert-Norton M, Kirk S.Non-diabetic hypoglycemia.The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. 2013 Oct 1;98(10):39A-39A. doi:10.1210/jc.2013-v98i10-39AUW Health.Nutrition management of low blood sugar without diabetes (postprandial syndrome and reactive hypoglycemia).Stuart K, Field A, Raju J, Ramachandran S.Postprandial reactive hypoglycaemia: Varying presentation patterns on extended glucose tolerance tests and possible therapeutic approaches.Case Rep Med. 2013 Jan 10;2013:273957. doi:10.1155/2013/273957University of California San Francisco.Treating low blood sugar.Harvard Health.Glycemic index of 60+ foods.Davis PA, Yokoyama W.Cinnamon intake lowers fasting blood glucose: meta-analysis.J Med Food. 2011 Sept;14(9):884-889. doi:10.1089/jmf.2010.0180American Diabetes Association.Low blood glucose (hypoglycemia).Hypoglycemia Support Foundation.Diet for hypoglycemia.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Eckert-Norton M, Kirk S.Non-diabetic hypoglycemia.The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. 2013 Oct 1;98(10):39A-39A. doi:10.1210/jc.2013-v98i10-39AUW Health.Nutrition management of low blood sugar without diabetes (postprandial syndrome and reactive hypoglycemia).Stuart K, Field A, Raju J, Ramachandran S.Postprandial reactive hypoglycaemia: Varying presentation patterns on extended glucose tolerance tests and possible therapeutic approaches.Case Rep Med. 2013 Jan 10;2013:273957. doi:10.1155/2013/273957University of California San Francisco.Treating low blood sugar.Harvard Health.Glycemic index of 60+ foods.Davis PA, Yokoyama W.Cinnamon intake lowers fasting blood glucose: meta-analysis.J Med Food. 2011 Sept;14(9):884-889. doi:10.1089/jmf.2010.0180American Diabetes Association.Low blood glucose (hypoglycemia).Hypoglycemia Support Foundation.Diet for hypoglycemia.
Eckert-Norton M, Kirk S.Non-diabetic hypoglycemia.The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. 2013 Oct 1;98(10):39A-39A. doi:10.1210/jc.2013-v98i10-39A
UW Health.Nutrition management of low blood sugar without diabetes (postprandial syndrome and reactive hypoglycemia).
Stuart K, Field A, Raju J, Ramachandran S.Postprandial reactive hypoglycaemia: Varying presentation patterns on extended glucose tolerance tests and possible therapeutic approaches.Case Rep Med. 2013 Jan 10;2013:273957. doi:10.1155/2013/273957
University of California San Francisco.Treating low blood sugar.
Harvard Health.Glycemic index of 60+ foods.
Davis PA, Yokoyama W.Cinnamon intake lowers fasting blood glucose: meta-analysis.J Med Food. 2011 Sept;14(9):884-889. doi:10.1089/jmf.2010.0180
American Diabetes Association.Low blood glucose (hypoglycemia).
Hypoglycemia Support Foundation.Diet for hypoglycemia.
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