Postprandial hypoglycemia, also known as reactive hypoglycemia, is a drop in blood sugar after eating, often seen in those who have had invasive digestive procedures. Treatment involves restoring blood glucose levels with sugary substances and dietary changes. Severe cases may require injected glucagon. Symptoms include hunger, lethargy, sweating, and cognitive impairment.
Postprandial hypoglycemia is a drop in blood sugar that occurs after eating a meal. Also known as reactive hypoglycemia, this form of hypoglycemia is often seen in individuals who have had an invasive procedure to alter their digestive system, such as gastric bypass surgery. Treatment for postprandial hypoglycemia usually depends on the severity of the presenting symptoms and generally involves restoring blood glucose to an appropriate level with the administration of a sugary substance, such as soda or fruit juice.
In reactive hypoglycemia, a drop in blood sugar levels occurs after a meal. For some reason, insulin production after a meal skyrockets and introduces too much of the hormone into the bloodstream. The dispersion of glucose into the various cells of the body is pushed into overdrive depleting the amount of available blood sugar. The liver is unable to compensate for glucose depletion, leading to a continuous flow of insulin into a system that does not require its mediation. The result is an overabundance of insulin in a system that lacks glucose for the hormone to regulate, leaving the body in a hypoglycemic state.
Individuals most often develop postprandial hypoglycemia when their digestive function has been disrupted due to surgery. In some situations, individuals may develop this form of hypoglycemia in response to impaired glucose tolerance or excessive medication for an existing diabetic condition. Inappropriate administration of hypoglycaemic treatment can also trigger a postprandial hypoglycaemic episode.
Postprandial hypoglycemia is a progressive condition that is fairly easy to diagnose since the trigger for the drop in blood sugar is usually obvious. Considering that a postprandial hypoglycemic episode is unlikely to occur while sitting in a doctor’s office, some individuals will choose to keep a written record of their experiences so they can accurately describe them during a consultation. A battery of blood tests is usually administered to evaluate an individual’s blood glucose levels over a long period of time. Some situations may require the individual to fast before testing so that an accurate reading can be taken.
Individuals with postprandial hypoglycemia will generally present with symptoms characteristic of any other form of hypoglycemia. The most common symptoms include feelings of hunger, lethargy and physical weakness. Symptomatic individuals may also experience profuse sweating, elevated heart rate, and tremors during a hypoglycemic episode.
As the body begins the digestion process, it’s not uncommon for people with this condition to suddenly look pale or experience blurred vision or anxiety. More severe symptom presentations may include cognitive impairment and erratic or uncharacteristic behavior. If symptoms are ignored and allowed to progress, hypoglycemic individuals may have a seizure or lose consciousness; both situations have the potential to be life-threatening.
As with any hypoglycemic condition, treatment is centered on raising the individual’s blood glucose levels to a stable, normal level. Often, the person may be given sugary items to eat or drink, including candy, soda, or fruit juice. Individuals with recurrent postprandial hypoglycemic episodes generally need to implement dietary changes to help prevent future incidents.
Many hypoglycemic individuals are encouraged to work closely with a registered dietitian to design an eating plan that will help promote health and nutritional balance while preventing the recurring onset of postprandial hypoglycemic symptoms. Severe presentations of this condition may require the administration of injected glucagon to stabilize blood glucose levels.
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