Before you blame your midday energy dip on low blood sugar, take note. Unless you have diabetes, hypoglycemia is far less common than once thought. Slumps may come from the normal release of the hormone epinephrine.
For those without diabetes, some conditions boost the chance of hypoglycemia: long, strenuous exercise; prolonged fasting; early stages of pregnancy; drinking alcoholic beverages; or taking beta blockers for those who exercise.
In rare cases, people experience reactive hypoglycemia two to five hours after eating a large meal; their body secretes too much insulin so blood sugar drops well below normal.
Before you self-diagnose hypoglycemia:
- Check with your physician. Have a reliable test while you experience the symptoms. Be aware: similar symptoms may come from health conditions unrelated to blood sugar. If you truly have hypoglycemia, seek advice from a registered dietitian.
- Eat healthfully, exercise regularly, live smart. Make sure your symptoms aren’t confused with extreme hunger or fatigue from poor lifestyle habits.
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