HYPOGLYCEMIA
TREATMENTS |
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Treatment of the immediate symptoms of
hypoglycemia can include eating sugar. For example, a patient can
eat a piece of candy, drink milk, or drink fruit juice. Glucose
tablets can be used by patients, especially those who are diabetic.
Effective treatment of hypoglycemia over time requires the patient
to follow a modified diet. Patients are usually encouraged to eat
small, but frequent, meals throughout the day, avoiding excess
simple sugars (including alcohol), fats, and fruit drinks. Those
patients with severe hypoglycemia may require fast-acting glucagon
injections that can stabilize their blood sugar within approximately
15 minutes.
Alternative treatment
A holistic approach to reactive hypoglycemia is based on the belief
that a number of factors may create the condition. Among them are
heredity, the effects of other illnesses, emotional stress, too much
or too little exercise, bad lighting, poor diet, and environmental
pollution. Therefore, a number of alternative methods have been
proposed as useful in treating the condition. Homeopathy,
acupuncture, and applied kinesiology, for example, have been used,
as have herbal remedies. One of the herbal remedies commonly
suggested for hypoglycemia is a decoction (an extract made by
boiling) of gentian (Gentiana lutea). It should be drunk warm 15–30
minutes before a meal. Gentian is believed to help stimulate the
endocrine (hormone-producing) glands.
In addition to the dietary modifications recommended above, people
with hypoglycemia may benefit from supplementing their diet with
chromium, which is believed to help improve blood sugar levels.
Chromium is found in whole grain breads and cereals, cheese,
molasses, lean meats, and brewer's yeast. Hypoglycemics should avoid
alcohol, caffeine, and cigarette smoke, since these substances can
cause significant swings in blood sugar levels. |
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| HYPOGLYCEMIA RELATED ITEMS |
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