Articles
Controlling Hypoglycaemia
Many people suffer from mild symptoms of hypoglycaemia (hypo means low and glycaemia means sugar) through poor eating habits. Don't be confused with hyper (high)
Symptoms of hypoglycaemia can be weakness, irritability, sweating, confusion and tiredness.
There are two main types of Hypoglycaemia- Reactive or Functional. The most common is Functional which means that blood sugar drops over time and in certain conditions rather than reacting to the intake of a fast absorbing sugar.
There is a lot written about hypoglycaemia and it can be confusing to sort out creditable information. Accredited Practising dietitians (APD) as listed in the yellow pages oe on linw can be depended on for sound advice.
Glycaemic Index (GI)is the effect of different carbohydrate or sugar producing foods on blood sugar levels. GI tells us the rate at which a particularly food is absorbed from the gut and its effect on bloods sugar levels. The rate of absorption of a food depends on the carbohydrate, protein, fat and fibre content of the food plus the level of processing.
A book by Dr. Jenny Brand called "The GI Factor" is a good reference. Books on Diabetes written by dietitians will give sound advice. eg Eating into the 21st Century with Diabetes- available from the Perth Diet Clinic for $15.00 plus postage uses low GI foods.
Low Glycaemic Index foods are helpful in stabilising blood sugars. Some examples of low GI foods are grain bread, high fibre biscuits and cereals, milk, yoghurt, pasta, beans and lentils.
Hypoglycaemia can be debilitating but by carefully balancing eating throughout the day and emphasising low glycaemic index foods, you can really feel well.
A proportion of people with hypoglycaemia will go on to develop diabetes. If you have a family history of diabetes or are over weight, then controlling weight can be very important.
MEAL PLANNING
A large quantity of carbohydrate food in the main meals and little or none in between meals will cause excessive fluctuations in blood sugar levels.
+ Choose an energy intake that will maintain your weight in the ideal range for height. Your diet should be low in fat and sugar, adequate in protein and carbohydrate and high in fibre.
+ Avoid fast absorbing carbohydrates with a high GI such as sugar, lollies, soft drink, sweet cakes , biscuits and high sugar desserts (except for times of Hypoglycaemia).
+ Eat 3 small meals and 3 snacks spread through out the day. Meals and snacks should include slow absorbing carbohydrate foods based on the Healthy Diet with reference to foods with a low GI. Some times extra protein is helpful.
+ Note: Blood sugar levels may be more difficult to control in times of tiredness, stress and strenuous activity. Have more frequent high carbohydrate meals at these times.
If in difficulty, see a dietitian.
Recipes
Mulligatawny Soup : Curried chicken and vegetable soup.
Oat Cakes : An excellent savoury biscuit for in-between meal snacks.
Added to site on : Tuesday, 5 October 2010