May 2, 2023
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.
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.
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.
Reactive hypoglycaemia can manifest in a range of symptoms that may vary between individuals. When your blood sugar is low, common symptoms include:
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.
The good news is that there are some things you can do to limit the likelihood of reactive hypoglycaemia. Here are some strategies:
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.
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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.
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.
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.
Reactive hypoglycaemia can manifest in a range of symptoms that may vary between individuals. When your blood sugar is low, common symptoms include:
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.
The good news is that there are some things you can do to limit the likelihood of reactive hypoglycaemia. Here are some strategies:
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.
Get irrefutable data about your diet and lifestyle by using your own glucose data with Vively’s CGM Program. We’re currently offering a 20% discount for our annual plan. Sign up here.
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