what to feed a diabetic with low blood sugar

What foods help lower blood sugar?

“Many of the foods that are common in a vegan diet such as fruit and vegetables, beans and pulses, and wholegrains are good for overall health and could help to manage diabetes.

What is the best remedy for low blood sugar?

If you have symptoms of hypoglycemia, do the following:

• Eat or drink 15 to 20 grams of fast-acting carbohydrates. These are sugary foods without protein or fat that are easily converted to sugar in the body. ...
• Recheck blood sugar levels 15 minutes after treatment. ...
• Have a snack or meal. ...

What foods Raise Your glucose levels?

More Fast Foods High in Glucose

• 5.5g in a McDonald's Hot Caramel Sunday
• 5.4g in an egg, cheese, and bacon sandwich
• 5.1g per package of McDonald's BBQ sauce
• 3.2g per burger with condiments

What is better to drink for low blood sugar?

The Best Drinks to Lower Blood Sugar, Say Experts

• Water. This one may seem a bit boring, but water is the best drink you can ever consume for your health. ...
• Unsweetened tea. Unsweetened tea is another drink you can have that won't increase your blood sugar levels. ...
• Coffee. ...
• Plant-based milk. ...

What is the best thing to give a diabetic with low blood sugar?

Feed the person a fast-acting source of sugar (regular soft drink or fruit juice). Then, have them eat a long-acting source of sugar (crackers and cheese or a sandwich with meat).

What do you feed someone with low blood sugar?

Eat or drink a quickly digested carbohydrate food, such as:½ cup fruit juice.½ cup of a regular soft drink (not a diet soda)1 cup of milk.5 or 6 hard candies.4 or 5 saltine crackers.2 tablespoons of raisins.3 to 4 teaspoons of sugar or honey.3 or 4 glucose tablets or a serving of glucose gel.

What foods should I avoid if I have low blood sugar?

Foods that are not suitable for people with hypoglycemia to eat because they can cause your blood sugar levels to fluctuate significantly include:White bread, white rice, and pasta.Trans fats.Sugar-sweetened drinks.Fruit-flavored yogurt.Sweetened breakfast cereals.Honey, agave nectar, and maple syrup.Dried fruit.More items...•

How can I quickly raise my low blood sugar?

Your doctor may tell you to have really sugary foods or drinks (like regular soda, orange juice, or cake frosting) or might give you glucose tablets or gel to take — all of these can help to raise your blood sugar level fast, which is what you need to do when it's low. Wait about 10 minutes to let the sugar work.

What foods raise blood sugar quickly?

What foods can help raise blood sugar fast?a piece of fruit, like a banana, apple, or orange.2 tablespoons of raisins.15 grapes.1/2 cup apple, orange, pineapple, or grapefruit juice.1/2 cup regular soda (not sugar-free)1 cup fat-free milk.1 tablespoon honey or jelly.15 Skittles.More items...•

Are bananas good for low blood sugar?

(That's what “hypoglycemia” means.) Glucose is the body's main source of energy. In most people, blood sugar levels should be within a range of 70 to 99 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). Most healthy people only need a quick high-carb snack, such as an apple or banana, to help get their blood sugar back up to normal.

What causes blood sugar to drop suddenly?

Possible causes, with diabetes But too much insulin or other diabetes medications may cause your blood sugar level to drop too much, causing hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia can also occur if you eat less than usual after taking your regular dose of diabetes medication, or if you exercise more than you typically do.

What can diabetics drink besides water?

What You Can Drink, Besides Water, When You Have DiabetesChocolate Milk. This treat may remind you of the school lunchroom, but it's a good calcium-rich choice for grown-ups as well. ... Sweet Tea. ... Orange Juice. ... Chai Latte. ... Lemonade. ... Hot Chocolate. ... Apple Cider. ... Energy Drinks.More items...•

What is considered a dangerously low blood sugar level?

Low blood sugar is called hypoglycemia. A blood sugar level below 70 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L) is low and can harm you. A blood sugar level below 54 mg/dL (3.0 mmol/L) is a cause for immediate action.

Why is orange juice good for low blood sugar?

Use During Hypoglycemia Orange juice is one of the recommended sources of carbohydrate for treating low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, in diabetics because it quickly increases your blood sugar levels.

What are the symptoms of blood sugar dropping?

Early signs of a low blood sugar level include:sweating.feeling tired.dizziness.feeling hungry.tingling lips.feeling shaky or trembling.a fast or pounding heartbeat (palpitations)becoming easily irritated, tearful, anxious or moody.More items...

Is peanut butter good for low blood sugar?

Peanut butter (or any nut butter) without added sugar is filled with protein and fat and can help alleviate these symptoms without raising your blood sugar.

What fruits increase blood sugar?

Some commonly eaten fresh fruits may raise your blood sugar more quickly than others. These include figs, grapes, mangos, cherries and bananas. Eat them in moderation and in the suggested serving size of one small fruit or 1/2 cup.

What causes blood sugar to drop?

A low blood sugar level without diabetes your body releasing too much insulin after eating (called reactive hypoglycaemia or postprandial hypoglycaemia) not eating (fasting) or malnutrition. a complication of pregnancy. a gastric bypass (a type of weight loss surgery)

Is Orange Juice Good for low blood sugar?

Use During Hypoglycemia Orange juice is one of the recommended sources of carbohydrate for treating low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, in diabetics because it quickly increases your blood sugar levels.

What is the best treatment for low blood sugar?

In the case of low blood sugar, that’s the opposite of what you want. The most commonly recommended treatment for low blood sugar is glucose tablets or glucose gel. And let me tell you, those glucose tablets aren’t the tastiest things in the world.

What is the best liquid carbohydrate for hypoglycemia?

If your blood sugar has dropped below 55 mg/dL, you need quick, rapid-acting liquid carbohydrates. There should be no fiber, fat, or protein present. Grape juice is one of the highest carbohydrate-filled juices and is my choice for myself and clients experiencing this severity of hypoglycemia.

What is considered low blood sugar?

To answer that question, we first need to know what’s considered low blood sugar or hypoglycemia. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) defines hypoglycemia as anytime your blood sugar is lower than the healthy range.

What happens if your blood sugar is 80?

If your blood sugar is greater than 80 mg/dL, but you’re feeling symptoms of hypoglycemia: If your blood sugar is greater than 80 mg/dL, you’re likely experiencing these symptoms due to rapidly changing blood sugar levels and don’t require quick-acting carbohydrates.

Do you need fast acting carbohydrates?

Essentially, you want fast-acting carbohydrates, which are simple sugars with little to no fiber. You also want to avoid high fat foods. The fat that will often stabilize blood sugars after meals can actually delay how quickly your body absorbs those needed simple carbohydrates. In the case of low blood sugar, that’s the opposite of what you want.

Is peanut butter low in blood sugar?

At this point, your blood sugar is still not technically low, by definition. However, this may be lower than you’re comfortable with. Any form of starch — in this case, crackers — will help gradually raise your blood sugar just slightly, and the fat and protein in the peanut butter will sustain those levels.

What is the best diet for diabetics?

Your diabetes diet is simply a healthy-eating plan that will help you control your blood sugar. Here's help getting started, from meal planning to exchange lists and counting carbohydrates. Definition A diabetes diet simply means eating the healthiest foods in moderate amounts and sticking to regular mealtimes. A diabetes diet is a healthy-eating plan that's naturally rich in nutrients and low in fat and calories. Key elements are fruits, vegetables and whole grains. In fact, a diabetes diet is the best eating plan for most everyone. Purpose If you have diabetes or prediabetes, your doctor will likely recommend that you see a dietitian to help you develop a healthy eating plan. The plan helps you control your blood sugar (glucose), manage your weight and control risk factors for heart disease, such as high blood pressure and high blood fats. When you eat excess calories and fat, your body responds by creating an undesirable rise in blood glucose. If blood glucose isn't kept in check, it can lead to serious problems, such as a dangerously high blood glucose level (hyperglycemia) and long-term complications, such as nerve, kidney and heart damage. You can help keep your blood glucose level in a safe range by making healthy food choices and tracking your eating habits. For most people with type 2 diabetes, weight loss also can make it easier to control blood glucose and offers a host of other health benefits. If you need to lose weight, a diabetes diet provides a well-organized, nutritious way to reach your goal safely. Diet details A diabetes diet is based on eating three meals a day at regular times. This helps your body better use the insulin it produces or gets through a medication. A registered dietitian can help you put together a diet based on your health goals, tas Continue reading >>

Why is it better to treat a low blood sugar than wait to confirm it?

This is because it is better to treat a low blood sugar rather than wait to confirm it if blood sugar testing is not handy. A very low blood sugar can lead to loss of consciousness: a medical emergency rendering the person incapable of self‐treating.

What is hypoglycemia in the blood?

What Is Hypoglycemia? Hypoglycemia may be described as low levels of sugar (glucose) in the blood. This is commonly seen in people who are diabetic, and their blood sugar levels fall too low - either because they took their medications and did not eat properly, or the dosage of medication is too high for them. Normal blood Glucose (sugar) levels are 60-110 mg/dL. Normal values may vary from laboratory to laboratory. Levels much lower than these can indicate hypoglycemia. Causes of Hypoglycemia: Causes of hypoglycemia may include: Excessive exercise, or lack of food intake Certain forms of alcohol may cause low blood sugar levels Certain kinds of tumors, affecting the pancreas (insulinomas) After stomach surgery People with kidney failure, who are on dialysis, may experience hypoglycemia. If you have liver disease, you may be at risk for hypoglycemia. You may have problems with your thyroid, adrenal, or pituitary glands. You may not be absorbing food that you eat very well, thus resulting in hypoglycemia. Symptoms of Hypoglycemia: You may feel sweaty, shaky or hungry. You may feel faint. Extremely low blood sugar levels may cause you to be confused, or disoriented. Severely low levels of blood sugar may cause coma. You may have a fast heartbeat, or feel palpitations. Things You Can Do About Hypoglycemia: If you are experiencing low blood sugar levels as a result of your treatment of diabetes, your healthcare provider may instruct you on the use of close blood sugar monitoring during this time. Follow all of your healthcare provider's instructions. Try to exercise. Low blood sugar levels are often temporary. If you are diabetic, you will have high blood sugars as well. Make a daily walk either alone, or with a friend or family member a part of your routine. Even light wal Continue reading >>

What is it called when blood sugar drops below normal?

When blood sugar drops below normal levels, it’s called hypoglycemia . In people with diabetes, hypoglycemia can be a life-threatening complication of diabetes medication, other health problems like infection, or inadequate caloric intake.

How do dogs detect diabetes?

Diabetes Assist Dogs are trained to monitor smells in the air for a specific scent on the human breath that is related to rapidly dropping or low blood sugar levels. They are then trained to “alert” the person with diabetes, usually by touching them in a significant way such as pawing or nudging them. This alerts the person to check his or her blood sugar level. It also informs them that they should get something to eat to prevent hypoglycemia, or their blood sugars getting to a dangerous level. The canine partner can also be trained to retrieve juice or glucose tabs, get an emergency phone, or get help from another person in the house. Diabetes Assist Dogs wear a backpack identifying them as an assistance dog. This backpack has pockets where medical information, a sugar source, and emergency contact information can be stored. This provides an extra safety net in case the person with diabetes is unable to get help in time. Anyone finding the person unconscious or acting abnormally would know it may be a medical emergency and know how to get help. How can a dog detect low blood sugar? The dogs are evaluated throughout “puppy-hood” for a willingness to work and a sensitive nose. Once we have identified their interest in smells, they begin scent training. A person experiencing hypoglycemia produces a particular scent, found on the breath, due to chemical changes in their body. All people produce the same scent when they have low blood sugar. Our training methods are similar to those used to train drug sniffing or search and rescue dogs trained to find people. Due to the generosity of supporters like you all of our assistance dogs are provided to clients free of charge. LEARN MORE AND APPLY FOR A DIABETES ASSIST DOG Continue reading >>

What are carbohydrates in food?

Carbohydrates are the sugars and starches in grains, beans, vegetables, fruit, milk and milk products, honey, and sugar. If you don’t have diabetes and you’re feeling the unpleasant effects of a drop in blood sugar, eat or drink something with carbohydrates.

What is the sugar that is converted into glucose?

Other sugars we eat, like fructose from fruit or lactose from milk, are converted into glucose in our bodies. Then we can use them for energy. Our bodies also break down starches, which are sugars stuck together, into glucose. When people talk about “blood sugar,” they mean “blood glucose.”.

How to avoid blood sugar drop?

Use these tips to avoid having your blood sugar drop too low from either cause: Eat small meals and snacks spread throughout the day. A im for every 3-4 hours.

How to get rid of blood sugar spikes?

If you plan to eat or drink something sweet, do so as part of a balanced meal. Limit caffeine. Its effects can mimic hypoglycemia symptoms. Limit or avoid alcohol.

How to get blood sugar back up quickly?

When you need to get your blood sugar back up quickly, try one of these items: A small apple, banana, or orange. 15 grapes. A few prunes. 2 tablespoons of raisins. half a bagel. half a cup of granola. Each of these foods has about 15 grams of carbohydrates -- the ideal amount to rebalance blood sugar levels.

How long does it take for blood sugar to fall after eating?

Your blood sugar can fall if you wait too long to eat, such as if you’re fasting. It can also happen about 4 hours after a meal. This is reactive hypoglycemia. Or you might have symptoms similar to hypoglycemia if you have postprandial syndrome.

What happens if you don't have diabetes?

If You Don’t Have Diabetes. If you’ve ever gone too long between meals to eat and suddenly felt shaky, lightheaded, anxious, and cranky, you’ve had hypoglycemia. These unpleasant symptoms are your body’s way of warning you that your blood sugar (glucose) levels have fallen too low. (That’s what “hypoglycemia” means.)

Can you eat bananas with diabetes?

Most healthy people only need a quick high-carb snack, such as an apple or banana, to help get their blood sugar back up to normal. But hypoglycemia often happens in people with diabetes, and if a diabetic person’s blood sugar levels dip too far below a healthy range, it can be dangerous.

Can alcohol cause hypoglycemia?

Alcohol can cause hypoglycemia, especially if you have a drink without eating something. If you drink, keep it moderate: no more than one serving a day for women or two for men. A serving is 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of hard liquor. And don’t drink on an empty stomach.

What is the best way to treat low blood sugar?

Make sure your family members, friends, and caregivers know your signs of low blood sugar so they can help treat it if needed. Injectable glucagon is the best way to treat severely low blood sugar. A glucagon kit is available by prescription. Speak with your doctor to see if you should have a kit.

What to do if you think you have low blood sugar?

If you think you have low blood sugar, check it. If you aren’t able to check it, go ahead and treat it. Untreated low blood sugar can be dangerous, so it’s important to know what to do about it and to treat it immediately.

How to treat high blood sugar after eating?

1 tablespoon of sugar, honey, or syrup. Hard candies, jellybeans, or gumdrops (see food label for how much to eat). 3-4 glucose tablets (follow instructions). 1 dose of glucose gel (usually 1 tube; follow instructions). Tips to keep in mind: It takes time for blood sugar to rise after eating. Give some time for treatment to work.

How to raise blood sugar to 55?

If it’s still below your target range, have another serving. Repeat these steps until it’s in your target range. Once it’s in range, eat a nutritious meal or snack to ensure it doesn’t get too low again.

How much carbs should a child eat to raise blood sugar?

Give some time for treatment to work. Following the 15-15 rule helps. Young children usually need less than 15 grams of carbs, especially infants and toddlers. Ask your doctor how much your child needs.

How long does it take for low blood sugar to go away?

After you have low blood sugar, your early symptoms for low blood sugar are less noticeable for 48 to 72 hours.

What to do if you have a low on glucagon?

If you used glucagon because of a severe low (54 mg/dL or below), immediately call your doctor for emergency medical treatment. If you have had lows several times close together (even if they’re not severe), you should also tell you doctor. They may want to change your diabetes plan.

What to do if you have low blood sugar overnight?

If you think you’re at risk for low blood sugar overnight, have a snack before bed. You may wake up when you have low blood sugar, but you shouldn’t rely on that. A continuous glucose monitor (CGM) can alert you with an alarm if your blood sugar gets low while you’re sleeping.

Why is my blood sugar low?

Causes of Low Blood Sugar. There are many reasons why you may have low blood sugar, including: Taking too much insulin. Not eating enough carbs for how much insulin you take. Timing of when you take your insulin. The amount and timing of physical activity. Drinking alcohol.

What does it mean when your blood sugar drops below 70?

Blood sugar levels change often during the day. When they drop below 70 mg/dL, this is called having low blood sugar. At this level, you need to take action to bring it back up. Low blood sugar is especially common in people with type 1 diabetes.

How do you know if you have low blood sugar?

It’s important to know your signs. Common symptoms may include: Fast heartbeat. Shaking. Sweating. Nervousness or anxiety. Irritability or confusion.

How long can you have diabetes?

This increases your risk of having severe lows and can be dangerous. This is more likely to happen if you: Have had diabetes for more than 5-10 years. Frequently have low blood sugar. Take certain medicines, such as beta blockers for high blood pressure.

Can low blood sugar cause seizures?

Having seizures. Severe low blood sugar is below 54 mg/dL. Blood sugar this low may make you faint (pass out). Often, you’ll need someone to help you treat severe low blood sugar. People with diabetes may experience low blood sugar as often as once or twice a week, even when managing their blood sugar closely.

Can you drive with low blood sugar?

Driving with low blood sugar can be dangerous, so be sure to check your blood sugar before you get behind the wheel.

What are some good things to eat for breakfast for diabetics?

Buddha bowls are typically filled with nourishing ingredients like vegetables and beans, making them a perfect breakfast choice for those with diabetes. Sweet potatoes, caramelized onions, garlic, bell pepper, broccolini, avocado, and chickpeas star in this hearty breakfast Buddha bowl recipe.

How to improve blood sugar?

In fact, choosing balanced, nutrient-dense meals and snacks can improve blood sugar regulation, reduce diabetes-related complications, and help you feel your best. Starting your day with a nourishing breakfast is a smart way to fuel your body and encourage healthy choices at subsequent meals throughout the day ( 1. Trusted Source.

Why is breakfast important for diabetics?

If you have diabetes, a breakfast that promotes healthy blood sugar levels and provides your body with the nutrients it needs to function optimally may reduce the risk of diabetes complications, encourage a healthy body weight, and keep you feeling full between meals.

What is the best breakfast for high protein?

Give the high protein breakfast options below a try to kick-start your morning the healthy way. 13. Turkey and sweet potato breakfast hash. If you’re not a fan of eggs or can’t tolerate them, this turkey and sweet potato breakfast hash recipe may become your go-to high protein breakfast.

What are some good breakfast recipes?

The following recipes are both nutritious and meal-prep-friendly. 1. Egg muffins . Eggs are one of the best choices for a filling breakfast. They’re among the most nutrient-dense foods you can eat, and they’re loaded with protein, a macronutrient that promotes healthy blood sugar levels ( 4.

What are some good toppings for sweet potato toast?

Then, try one of the following topping combos for a plant-based, diabetes-friendly breakfast: banana, peanut butter, and chia seeds. avocado, red pepper flakes, microgreens, and feta. coconut yogurt, berries, walnuts, and cinnamon.

What to eat with sweet potato toast?

Check out this guide on how to make perfect sweet potato toast slices. Then, try one of the following topping combos for a plant-based, diabetes-friendly breakfast: 1 banana, peanut butter, and chia seeds 2 avocado, red pepper flakes, microgreens, and feta 3 coconut yogurt, berries, walnuts, and cinnamon

Best Emergency Snacks

Here are Chaparro’s picks for good emergency snacks for people with diabetes to address a low-blood sugar episode and help them feel better fast:

What to Expect

It takes about 10 minutes for these types of emergency snack foods to take effect. But Chaparro says to keep in mind that your symptoms resolve on their own timeframe. This can make it tempting to overeat the sugary snacks because you don’t feel immediate relief.

For High-Blood Sugar Episodes

On the flip side, if you experience a high blood sugar episode (also known as hyper glycemia), you’ll want to choose foods that are low in carbohydrates so that they don’t make the glucose levels rise even higher. Good choices for low-carb snacks (all of which have about 5 grams of carbohydrates or less) include:

When to Seek Medical Care

When low or high blood sugar levels aren’t responding to your at-home treatment, you should always seek medical attention since this can be a life-threatening situation.

Sources

" Type 2 Diabetes ." American Diabetes Association. Page accessed September 23, 2014.