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You are at risk of having a low blood sugar reaction if you:
Check your blood sugar if you have any of these symptoms:
If your blood sugar is less than 70 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dl):
Important: If you have frequent low blood sugars speak to your doctor. You may need changes in your medication and/or meal plan. Quick Carbohydrate Guide for Treating Low Blood SugarsIf your blood sugar is less than 70 mg/dl, you need 15 to 30 grams of a quickly absorbed carbohydrate, like the ones listed below. Each of the following servings provides 15 grams of carbohydrate. Candies and Other Sweets
Beverages
Fruits
Other
Note: The foods listed above are easily absorbed and will raise blood sugar levels quickly. Foods that contain protein or fat – such as chocolate, candy bars, ice cream, cookies, crackers and bread – don't raise blood sugar quickly enough.
UCSF Health medical specialists have reviewed this information. It is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of your doctor or other health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any questions or concerns you may have with your provider.
Carbohydrates Foods containing carbohydrates become glucose or blood sugar when digested, and controlling blood sugar is important if you have diabetes. Learn more now.
Carbohydrates and Diabetes Carb counting is a useful tool for people who have diabetes. Balancing carbohydrates and insulin helps keep your blood sugars in a healthy range. Learn more.
Counting Carbohydrates Are you counting your carbohydrate intake? Use this list of foods, each of which has been measured to about 15 carbs, to help in your efforts.
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Diabetes Clinic at Mount Zion
1600 Divisadero St., Room A530
Diabetes Clinic at Parnassus
400 Parnassus Ave., Suite A-550
Diabetes Teaching Center
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Medically reviewed by Natalie Olsen, R.D., L.D., ACSM EP-C — Written by Bethany Cadman on January 6, 2018
We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process. Hypoglycemia is low blood sugar that can cause headaches, weakness, and anxiety. What foods should a person with hypoglycemia eat to reduce symptoms? In this article, we list meal plans for people with hypoglycemia, as well as other tips for managing the condition. Share on PinterestHypoglycemia is low blood sugar, which may cause symptoms including fatigue and confusion. People with persistent low blood sugar may have hypoglycemia. Having low blood sugar is often associated with diabetes, but it is possible to experience hypoglycemia without having diabetes. Other common causes include hormonal deficiencies, critical illnesses, and excessive alcohol consumption. When blood sugar drops within 4 hours of eating a meal, a person may be experiencing reactive hypoglycemia. This condition is caused by excessive insulin production after eating. Hypoglycemia symptoms including:
A person should always try to eat breakfast as soon as possible after waking up, as blood sugar levels may have dropped during the night. It is advisable to limit intake of fruit juices in the morning and stick to juices that do not have added sugar, as these may cause blood sugar levels to become unstable. Some ideal breakfast choices include:
Cinnamon is thought to help reduce blood sugar levels and can be sprinkled on many breakfast foods. Some of these products are available to purchase online, including sunflower seeds, agave syrup, and oatmeal. Lunch should be a small meal but packed with protein, healthful fats, and complex carbohydrates that will continue to release energy slowly. Some good lunch ideas for hypoglycemia are:
It is necessary for a person with hypoglycemia to be aware of the glycemic index or GI of the foods they eat. Some foods that appear to be healthful may have a high GI. Fortunately, there is often an alternative that has a lower GI. For example, sweet potatoes have a relatively low GI and are full of antioxidants, making them a better choice than other types of potato, such as white russet potatoes, which have a high GI. While it may be tempting to eat more in the evenings, a person with hypoglycemia should keep their evening meals small. A good dinner choice will include protein and complex carbohydrates. Dinner ideas include:
People with hypoglycemia should try to include small, nutritious snacks in between meals to keep blood sugar levels constant and ensure they are having enough vitamins, minerals, healthy fats, proteins, and fibrous carbohydrates in their diet. Eating one snack mid-morning, another mid-afternoon, and something small close to bedtime can help keep blood sugar levels stable throughout both the day and night. Some healthy snack options are:
It is important to remember that people who exercise regularly may need to eat more frequently, as strenuous or sustained physical activity can cause blood sugar levels to drop. A person should eat a small snack that includes carbs and protein before a workout. Good choices include:
Exercising on a full stomach is not advisable, so keeping pre-exercise snacks small and remembering to stay hydrated by drinking lots of water are important. A person experiencing a minor case of low blood sugar can consume 15–20 grams (g) of fast-acting carbohydrates, such as a small glass of fruit juice or a few crackers. If a person is still experiencing symptoms of low blood sugar after 15 minutes, they can eat another 15–20 g portion of carbohydrates. Following a hypoglycemia diet will help to manage symptoms and prevent blood sugar from dropping. Reducing simple sugars and increasing complex carbohydrates can help control blood sugar levels throughout the day and prevent any sudden spikes or dips. A person with hypoglycemia can try the following lifestyle considerations:
Eating or drinking a small amount of fast-acting carbohydrates, such as a piece of fruit or fruit juice, can treat minor cases of hypoglycemia. However, anyone experiencing more severe or regular symptoms should see their doctor, as soon as possible. Hypoglycemia is a manageable condition, and getting an early diagnosis means the symptoms can be controlled. Left untreated, the symptoms of hypoglycemia can become more frequent and dangerous. The symptoms also mimic other conditions, so it is important for a doctor to diagnose the condition and rule out other possible causes. Severe symptoms of hypoglycemia, including loss of consciousness, require immediate medical attention. Last medically reviewed on January 6, 2018
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