From the Guidelines
Not eating enough can indeed cause hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, and it is crucial to prioritize nutrition to prevent this condition, especially for individuals with diabetes or other metabolic conditions. If you're experiencing hypoglycemia symptoms like shakiness, dizziness, confusion, or sweating, eat or drink something with fast-acting carbohydrates immediately, such as 4 ounces of fruit juice, 1 tablespoon of honey, or 3-4 glucose tablets 1. According to the most recent guidelines, treatment of hypoglycemia includes the use of glucose tablets or carbohydrate-containing foods or beverages, with a commonly recommended dose of glucose being 15–20 g 1.
Prevention of Hypoglycemia
To prevent hypoglycemia, it is essential to eat regular meals and snacks throughout the day, aiming for balanced nutrition every 3-4 hours. This can be achieved by:
- Eating a source of carbohydrates at meals
- Having moderate amounts of carbohydrates at each meal and snacks
- Not skipping meals
- Carrying a source of quick-acting carbohydrates during physical activity 1
- Coordinating food with the type of diabetes medicine, especially for individuals taking insulin secretagogues or insulin 1
Importance of Nutrition
When we don't eat enough, our blood glucose levels drop as the body depletes its readily available glucose stores. The body needs a steady supply of glucose as it's the primary energy source for the brain and nervous system. Those with certain medical conditions, people taking specific medications like insulin or sulfonylureas, and individuals who engage in intense physical activity are particularly susceptible to hypoglycemia when skipping meals 1.
Key Recommendations
- Eat regular meals and snacks to maintain stable blood glucose levels
- Choose nutrient-dense, high-fiber foods whenever possible instead of processed foods with added sodium, fat, and sugars 1
- Limit sodium intake to 2,300 mg/day and avoid sugary sweetened beverages (SSBs) 1
- For individuals taking insulin or insulin secretagogues, consume alcohol with food to reduce the risk of hypoglycemia 1
From the Research
Effects of Hypoglycemia due to Inadequate Nutrition
- Hypoglycemia is a common complication in patients with diabetes, and it can also occur in individuals without diabetes due to inadequate nutrition 2, 3.
- The effects of hypoglycemia can be physical and psychological, and it can impair a person's ability to reach good glycemic control 2.
- Inadequate nutrition, including not eating enough, can increase the risk of hypoglycemia, especially in individuals with diabetes 3.
- Nutritional status, including malnutrition, can affect the risk of hypoglycemia, and assessment of nutritional status using questionnaires and biomarkers may be helpful in determining this risk 3.
- Administration of oral nutritional supplements may decrease the risk of hypoglycemia 3.
Risk Factors for Hypoglycemia
- Inadequate nutrition, including not eating enough, is a major risk factor for hypoglycemia 3.
- Other risk factors for hypoglycemia include kidney disease, endocrine disorders, and a high burden of comorbidities 3.
- Hypoglycemia can also occur in individuals without diabetes, especially in those with certain medical conditions or taking certain medications 3.
Treatment and Prevention of Hypoglycemia
- Treatment of hypoglycemia typically involves administering glucose orally or intravenously 2, 4.
- Prevention of hypoglycemia involves patient education on risk factors, warning signs, and treatment, as well as setting personalized goals for glycemic control 2.
- Oral glucose combined with glycerol may be more effective in promoting glucose recovery than glucose alone 4.
- First aid glucose administration routes, such as sublingual, buccal, or oral, may be effective in treating hypoglycemia, but the best route is unknown 5.