Hypoglycemia avoidance game plan by Dr. Carson Liu, interview

By April MacIntyre Oct 17, 2011, 18:00 GMT

A huge segment of the American population deals with Diabetes, a high blood sugar disease, and hypoglycemia, a low blood sugar disorder.

Diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States and the leading cause of kidney failure, non-traumatic lower-limb amputations and new cases of blindness among adults in the United States. 

It is growing at alarming rates, with more and more younger people falling victim to Type-2 Diabetes.

Diabetes is also a major cause of heart disease and stroke. 

Hypoglycemia is also life threatening condition as the heart and brain need a minimum amount of glucose (blood sugar) to survive.

Hypoglycemia is commonly perceived as a concern for people with type 1, not type 2, diabetes. However, hypos are a potential risk for anyone using insulin, and approximately 50 percent of people with type 2 diabetes are insulin-dependent.

According to new survey data released at the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) 20th Annual Meeting and Clinical Congress, more than half (55 percent) of Americans with type 2 diabetes report they have experienced hypoglycemia.

As a specialist in bariatric surgery, Dr. Caron Liu, Santa Monica, CA, www.drcarsonliu.com  is in touch with diabetic patients every day. As part of both pre-op and post-op protocol, he works closely with patients in creating a health & diet regimen that address a spectrum of problems including hypoglycemia.

Dr. Liu  spoke to Monsters and Critics about frequently asked questions about diabetes and the associated risk of hypoglycemia:

Monsters and Critics: What are the risks of hypoglycemia with diabetes? Why does it occur?

Dr. Liu: The most common cause of hypoglycemia in diabetics is too much of the medications used for treating diabetes which lower blood sugars. Other causes include not eating (fasting or skipping meals) and drinking a lot of alcohol (this prevents glucose release from the liver), tumors, or critical illnesses.

M&C: How do you know if you have hypoglycemia or are at risk for it?

Dr. Liu:  Symptoms of hypoglycemia include dizziness or a feeling of being "drunk".   Dangerously low blood sugar levels can cause people to lose consciousness.

M&C: What role can food and diet play in preventing or treating hypoglycemia?

Dr. Liu:  Small meals, smaller protein rich snacks and more protein overall in diets will help stabilize blood glucose and prevent hypoglycemia. Snacks help to stabilize blood glucose by offering a constant source of glucose and protein. Eating a low sugar diet will help to control diabetes and prevent hypoglycemia. Carbohydrates increase blood sugars. making it difficult to manage blood sugar.

M&C: What specific nutritional things are to sought after to combat hypoglycemia?

Dr. Liu:  Avoid the white foods. Go whole grain. Eating small meals may help to temporarily prevent hypoglycemia, but the best approach is to address the underlying cause. Carbohydrates increase blood sugar.  Patients who eat a lot of starchy foods such as pasta, bagels, white rice will raise their glucose levels and make it very difficult to control their blood sugars.

M&C: Can you give me several good foods to fight hypoglycemia, and why they are good choices?

Dr. Liu:  Foods to fight hypoglycemia include orange juice, and fruits that deliver a large amount of fructose and glucose. Eating an orange or grapes will help raise the blood sugar levels in severe hypoglycemic attacks. Having a healthy diet with consistent levels of starches and fruits will allow for better control of blood sugars when diabetic patients are being treated with medication.

M&C: What’s the best approach at home and outside the home?

Dr. Liu:   When outside and a diabetic patient experiences hypoglycemia, a pack of sugar dissolved in water might be the quickest way to help a person who is becoming unconscious from hypoglycemia. Juices (orange or apple) is usually an available at home.

All diabetics should carry some hard candy or candy bars with them in case of a severe hypoglycemic attacks. The first symptoms, sweating, dizziness, and palpitations, can be relieved with candy which is mainly sugar.

M&C: Can you name a few more unique instances where it would be helpful to have the right food to fight hypoglycemia?

Dr. Liu:  If a diabetic is experiencing mild hypoglycemia, fruit is usually the best solution before loss of conscious occurs. During extreme stress or exercise, diabetics can easily become hypoglycemic due to the medication and increased activity.  Eating oranges will always be much healthier than eating candy or drinking soda which is commonly used when diabetics are nearly becoming unconscious.