14 Foods To Fight Low Blood Sugar!
By Dr. Nikita Toshi +2 more
Get,
to manage your symptom
Get your,
4 Cr+ families
benefitted
OTP sent to 9988776655
You’ve successfully subscribed to receive
doctor-approved tips on Whatsapp
Get ready to feel your best.
Hi There,
Download the PharmEasy App now!!Register to Avail the Offer
Send OTPBy continuing, you agree with our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions
Hi There,
Sign up on PharmEasy now!!Trusted by 4 crore+ families
OTP sent to 9988776655
You have unlocked 25% off on medicines
Code: NU25
By Dr. Nikita Toshi +2 more
Table of Contents
Diabetes is a tricky disease to handle. The symptoms of low and high blood sugar are similar, and each causes irreversible damage to the body. Doctors believe that low blood sugar is more dangerous to the body than high blood sugar levels. This is because the brain, like the rest of the body, depends upon glucose to meet its energy requirements. In the absence of a sufficient quantity of glucose, it can cause stroke, seizures or even permanent brain damage.
So how does one suffer from low blood sugar when diabetes is a complication which causes blood sugar spikes? Skipping a meal, over medicating, exercising too much or heavy insulin medication can initiate dips in blood glucose levels.
Typical symptoms of low sugar are dizziness, anxiety, confusion, trembling, heart palpitations, hunger, excessive sweating, blurred vision and weakness. Timely intervention is critical when someone is facing low blood sugar levels. The potentially life-threatening condition can be handled by taking in easily digestible forms of carbohydrates. These can be broken down immediately, and they provide an instant surge in blood glucose.
In my opinion, sweet potatoes and yams are low in sugar content and abundant in nutrients. This feature makes them a better option than regular potatoes, which have higher sugar content. Thus, sweet potatoes, contrary to their name, can be a good option for people with diabetes.
Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS
Granola bars give an immediate boost in blood sugar levels. They improve energy levels and increase blood sugar. Since many healthy varieties have oats, rice Krispies and nuts; choose them over the less healthy versions.
Another great option to have when facing dipping blood sugar levels is fruit. Apples, pears, bananas, apricots and oranges are good to eat. They provide a healthy dose of glucose to the system with the added benefits of fibre. Strawberries and grapes are also dependable glucose enhancing fruits. One could also munch on some raisins and other nuts like almonds, walnuts, pistachios and dried apricots as a sugar-enhancing snack.
Fruit juices do not have fibre, and that is precisely the thing you need when facing life-threatening low glucose levels. Those with low glucose levels might not even be able to chew some food, so a liquid carb helps to provide a concentrated punch of energy. Fruit juice, especially pineapple and grape juice, are the best choices as they increase sugar levels and still provide some amount of vitamins and minerals.
Read More About: 10 Low Glycemic Fruits That Are Great for Diabetes
On a regular day, doctors will tell you to avoid cookies, but when you are facing low sugar levels, You can have cookies. They provide a boost of energy and help you to reach normal sugar levels. Choose the ones that are rich in oats, nuts and have low amounts of fats.
Doctors advise you to always keep sweets handy, in case you suffer from sudden low sugar levels. These spike up the blood glucose and bring down the trembling and blurred vision. They can be readily broken down in the body for energy.
Try to choose a non-diet variety of soda, if you are facing sudden dips in blood sugar levels. The diet variety has more chemicals and will not provide you with the instant surge in sugar that you so desperately need. Just having half a glass of soda will improve your blood sugar levels.
Milk is another good alternative when facing sugar dips. It is rich in protein and calcium and has other minerals which make it a healthy choice of drink to provide you with sugar pronto. You could add some sugar if you feel your energy levels are low.
If your blood sugar has dipped low or if you find no healthy snack nearby, chomp down a tablespoon of sugar or lick a spoonful of honey. Very low glucose levels need immediate action and sugar or liquid carbs like honey or applesauce helps to improve the sugar levels rapidly.
Eat a bowl of yoghurt with berries and nuts and watch your blood sugar levels improve. Apart from the energy boost, yoghurt will help you get a percentage of your daily dose of calcium, protein and immunity-boosting properties.
Regular use of plain yoghurt may lower the risk of type 2 diabetes. However, research shows yoghurt that has been sweetened or flavoured should be avoided since it has excess sugar. It is not advised for someone trying to stabilize their blood sugar levels. In my opinion, Greek yoghurt may be a nutritious substitute for such people.
Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)
Another excellent food choice to make when facing low sugar levels is having a whole-grain toast. Since bread is an easily breakable carbohydrate, it is readily assimilated into the body. The whole-grain toast ensures that the glucose levels stay stable and the subsequent dips in the blood sugar levels are avoided.
Other than whole grain toasts, oats may improve lipid profiles and low blood sugar levels. Oats contain beta-glucan, which may help lower the after-meal glucose and insulin responses, enhance insulin sensitivity to maintain adequate sugar levels in the blood and lower blood lipid (fat) levels.
Dr. Smita barode, BAMS, M.S.
Sweet potatoes are a great snack option when the blood sugar levels fall. They are rich in fibre and antioxidants and have a low glycemic index which helps to stabilize blood sugar levels for a long time.
Cheddar cheese provides you with instant glucose, protein and high amounts of calcium. When you feel that your blood glucose levels are dipping, you could have a slice of cheddar cheese to improve them.
Smoothies work as a healthy sugar-increasing option. They are full of protein, vitamins and essential minerals and fibre as well. Blitz, some yoghurt with milk or some juice, oats, nuts, and berries and, have a jarful of healthy goodness that will bring your glucose levels to normal.
Peanut butter has reasonable amounts of protein and fats. If you have the sugar-free kind, you will get a healthy dose of nutrition without a steep sugar spike. This is best for those people who are beginning to feel the symptoms of low blood sugar and aren’t yet in dangerous territories.
To avoid frequent spikes and dips in blood sugar levels, one will have to make a few lifestyle changes.
Read More About 10 Harmful Effects of Sugar
Try to avoid blood sugar dips as much as possible. When you feel that your sugar levels are plummeting, try to have an easily digestible carbohydrate immediately to avoid losing consciousness. As a healthy food habit, incorporate whole grains, fibre-rich food items in meals and snacks as they prevent sudden dips in blood sugar due to the high amount of fibre and a low glycemic index. They ensure that the food passes slowly through the gut and the energy is released deliberately. Avoid junk food and limit the intake of alcohol and caffeine as they can worsen the low blood sugar levels.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
Leave your comment...
View all comments(2)
If the blood sugar level is around 455,312, what food can I take immediately after taking the medicine to overcome the weakness?
Hi Deblina,
The blood sugar level of 455 mg/dL and 312 mg/dL as mentioned above is too high and may lead to complications if not controlled. Please consult your doctor and take your medicines regularly to bring your sugar levels in a controlled range. This itself will help you in overcoming the weakness.
Follow a diabetic diet including more fibrous food and mixed cereals, vegetables, pulses, salad, and a lesser amount of carbohydrates and fat. Eating frequently in small portions will be better than eating large portions at greater intervals. Regular exercise and brisk walking are also advisable to control diabetes. Stay healthy and happy.