P EOPLE HAVE TRIED to fault low
A diabetic man who killed his wife by hitting her with a hammer and running over her with his car blamed "involuntary intoxication" caused by his low blood sugar level. The killing occurred three days after she asked him for a divorce.
I am not aware of another case in which a person supposedly murdered someone due to low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia.
Symptoms of low blood sugar are usually milder; they include anxiety, irritability, hunger, sweating, trembling, coldness, confusion and headaches.
People who have diabetes may experience more severe symptoms, such as loss of coordination, coma or death,
In reality, hypoglycemia is rare in people who do not have diabetes. Our bodies tightly regulate blood sugar levels to allow the brain to function and provide cells and muscles with energy. Only 5 percent to 10 percent of people who have symptoms such as irritability actually have hypoglycemia when a physician checks their blood sugar level, according to an article from Harvard Medical School's Joslin Diabetes Center.
When hypoglycemia does occur, it's because a person's body has overreacted to carbohydrates.
These problems may be a precursor
The main treatment for hypoglycemia is an eating plan emphasizing many mini-meals with healthy carbohydrates.
Despite the popularity of low-carbohydrate diets, most professionals
If you have hypoglycemia, eat small, frequent meals every 2 to 4 hours. Carry snacks with you. Meals and snacks should include foods with carbohydrates from three food groups: starches (such as bread, cereal, rice, potatoes, beans, corn, etc.); fruits; and milk and yogurt.
Carbohydrates turn to sugar in your blood and keep levels from dropping too low. When possible, choose high-fiber carbohydrate foods. Whole-grain breads with at least 3 grams of fiber and cereals with at least 5 grams of fiber per serving are good examples, as are popcorn, beans, barley and whole fruits and vegetables. Fiber may help blood sugar levels rise more slowly and steadily.
Choose carbohydrates that create ripples, not tidal waves, in blood sugar levels. Whole grains, milk, fruits and vegetables provide slow-release energy. In contrast, sugar, honey, syrup, sodas, juices and sweets may cause blood sugar to spike, and then, if the body overreacts, blood sugar levels may drop too low, causing unpleasant symptoms.
For more detailed information about carbohydrates, ask a dietitian about a concept called glycemic load, which takes into account both how fast a food causes blood sugar to rise and how many carbohydrates the food contains.
Try combining protein or fat with carbohydrate foods. High-protein foods include cheeses, nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans, peanut butter, etc.) soy, eggs, chicken, fish and lean meats. Heart-healthy fats include tub margarines, olive oil and canola oil. Protein and fats may help the body absorb carbohydrates more slowly, preventing rapid rises and falls in blood sugar.
Avoid caffeine, including coffees, teas, dark sodas and large amounts of chocolate, if you find they cause symptoms. Avoid alcohol, especially on an empty stomach. It can cause hypoglycemia.
JENNIFER MOTL , a registered dietitian, welcomes reader questions via her Web site, brighteating.com, or mailed to Nutrition, The Free Lance-Star, 616 Amelia St., Fredericksburg, Va. 22401.