Hypoglycemia
This is a condition of light-headedness and irritability that results
from low blood sugar. This can be because there has been no consumption
of foods within a proscribed period, or from a slight imbalance
in blood sugar regulation from the liver-pancreas axis. Some individuals
are more prone to hypoglycemia; if there is accompanying weight
gain, or a sedentary lifestyle, or both, this condition of imbalance
needs to be managed proactively by regulating the diet, increasing
exercise, and monitoring blood sugar levels to prevent Type II diabetes.
Treatment Goal(s):
· Control hypoglycemic episodes; balance blood sugar metabolism.
Primary
Treatment:
· Administer Trigonella foneum-graecum (Fenugreek) in powdered
or encapsulated form, 2-4 grams daily. Watch for digestive sensitivity,
and ramp the dose if necessary.
· Administer bitters such as Taraxacum officinale (Dandelion)
and Cynara scolimus (Artichoke leaf) to control hypoglycemia when
it occurs; follow this with food within 15 minutes.
Supportive
Treatment:
· Sugar is often a craving. Use Gymnema sylvestre to eliminate
the “sweet” taste, making sugar self-medication unrewarding.
Use Stevia as a sugar substitute (Better than most artificial substitutes,
it actually helps normalize blood sugar).
· Eliminate sugar and low-glycemic index foods (refined grains,
potatoes) from the diet. Increase vegetable and whole-grain foods;
exercise is essential to control weight and adjust metabolic function.
· Supplement with Chromium picolinate 400mg - 800mg daily.
· Recommend smaller but more frequent meals, especially at
first.
Differential
diagnoses, cautions, and other considerations
· If hypoglycemia occurs regularly and there is weight gain,
begin monitoring blood sugar levels before and after meals. Often,
reactive hyperglycemia will result 30-60 minutes after a meal as
the imbalanced liver-pancreas axis swings in the opposite direction.
If this is the case, move more aggressively with dietary and lifestyle
changes to prevent diabetes.
