### What is Reactive Hypoglycemia? Reactive hypoglycemia is a condition where your blood sugar levels drop too low within 4 hours after eating. This can happen to anyone, but it mainly affects people with diabetes. ### Symptoms Symptoms of reactive hypoglycemia can include: - Shakiness - Sweating - Dizziness - Hunger - Irritability - Anxiety ### Causes The exact cause isn't always clear, but it often happens when your body makes too much insulin after a large, carb-heavy meal. Other possible causes include tumors, alcohol, surgeries like gastric bypass, and some metabolic diseases. It’s more common if you’re overweight. ### Diagnosis If you think you’ve had an episode of hypoglycemia, talk to your doctor. They’ll ask about your symptoms, medical history, and family history of diabetes. They may check your blood sugar while you’re having symptoms and compare it to a reading taken after the symptoms go away. You might need a mixed-meal tolerance test (MMTT) where your blood sugar is checked several times over 5 hours after drinking a syrupy drink. ### Treatment Treatment depends on the cause of your hypoglycemia. If you have diabetes, check your blood sugar levels. A reading below 70 mg/dL means you’re hypoglycemic. Eat 15 grams of carbohydrates, then check your blood sugar after 15 minutes. Repeat until your blood sugar is at least 70 mg/dL. Talk to your doctor to see if you need a new treatment plan. If a medicine or tumor is causing your hypoglycemia, you may need a new drug or possibly surgery. Most people don’t need medical treatment to manage reactive hypoglycemia. Instead, you can make changes at home, like adjusting your diet. ### Tips for Managing Reactive Hypoglycemia - Eat small, frequent meals throughout the day. - Include protein and fiber in your meals to help stabilize blood sugar levels. - Avoid high-sugar foods and drinks. - Limit alcohol intake. - Exercise regularly to help maintain a healthy weight.