Nondiabetic Hypoglycemic Reaction

You have had an episode of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). A single episode of hypoglycemia does not mean that you have diabetes or that this problem will recur.

There are many causes for low blood sugar. These include eating highly refined starchy foods (carbohydrates), drinking too much alcohol, intense exercise, fatigue, stress, poor diet, pregnancy and certain illnesses.

Your blood sugar level may also be affected by tobacco, caffeine, and certain medicines. Some medications may cause your blood sugar to go lower and may prevent you from feeling the early symptoms related to low blood sugar. These medications include:

Home care

• Rest today and resume a normal diet. Eliminate any of the above known causes where possible.
• The proper diet for true hypoglycemia (diagnosed with a glucose tolerance test) is high protein (20% of calories), low carbohydrate (50% of calories), and moderate fat (30% of calories) in 6 small meals per day.
• If this is your first episode of low blood sugar, or if you have not yet been tested with a glucose tolerance test, eat small frequent meals rather than fewer large meals. Limit starchy foods during the next one to two days to avoid a recurrence of low blood sugar.
• It is important to learn the warning signals your body gives as your blood sugar starts to drop. See the symptoms listed below. 

If symptoms of hypoglycemia return

• Keep a source of fast-acting sugar with you. At the first sign of low blood sugar, eat or drink 15 to 20 grams of fast-acting sugar.
• Examples include:
• 3 to 4 glucose tablets (found at most drugstores)
• 4 ounces of regular soda
• 4 ounces of fruit juice
• 2 tablespoons of raisins
• 1 tablespoon of honey 
• If consuming fast-acting sugar does not improve your symptoms within 20 minutes, go to an emergency room.
• If you have severe hypoglycemic spells, wear a medical alert bracelet or carry a card in your wallet describing this condition.
• If you have a severe hypoglycemic reaction and are unable to give this information, the medical alert bracelet or card will help medical staff provide proper care. 

Follow-up care

• You may need instruction on how to test your blood sugar at home.

• Follow up with your healthcare provider, or as advised.