Can Reactive Hypoglycemia Symptoms Be Visible Day?

Posted on Mon, 13 Jan 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 13 Jan 2014 Answered on

Thu, 30 Jan 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : can reactive hypoglycemia symptoms be all day?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Michelle Gibson (6 hours later)

Brief Answer: the symptoms do not usually last all day Detailed Answer: HI, thanks for using healthcare magic Reactive hypoglycemia is a low blood sugar that occurs 2 to 4 hours after the use of a meal with a high level of simple carbohydrates. These simple carbohydrates are easily broken down by the body and as a result only temporarily maintain blood sugar levels. The symptoms do not generally last the whole day, they would start 2 to 4 hours after the meal, when the person uses a next meal , which would then cause the blood sugar levels to increase, the symptoms would then stop or decrease. If the person does not use any other meals in the day for whatever reason, then the low blood sugar would continue uncorrected. The symptoms can range from confusion, difficulty concentrating, weakness, tiredness, dizziness, feeling shaky. In general in this condition , simple sugars should be avoided . The meal frequency should be increased and the size of each meal decreased (since increasing frequency) Some persons may need up to 6 small meals and 2 to 3 snacks a day. The protein and fiber (fruits and vegetable) intake in each meal should be increased. Fiber is broken down slowly by the body so that the blood sugar levels remain constant. I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Michelle Gibson (17 minutes later)

Ok thanks would metformin help with this .. I was prescribed metformin for this and pcos but haven't taken it yet because I am very nervous that the metformin would make me feel terrible and drop my sugar even more .. Metformin XXXXXXX er 500mg

Answered by Dr. Dr. Michelle Gibson (12 minutes later)

Brief Answer: it does not cause hypoglycemia Detailed Answer: HI Metformin would definitely help with the PCOS. Though it is understandable that you are worried about your blood sugar dropping lower, this is one of the benefits of using metformin compared with other blood sugar medication. Hypoglycemia or low blood sugar is NOT a side effect of metformin. It would push a blood sugar to normal if it is high but it does not cause low blood sugar. You can safely use it for your PCOS

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Michelle Gibson (1 minute later)

Ok and also I am worries about any side effects with metformin .. What should I watch out for and is it safe to take a couple of different vitamins while on met

Answered by Dr. Dr. Michelle Gibson (10 minutes later)

Brief Answer: can cause gi upset Detailed Answer: HI There are potential side effects with any medication, these effects may OR may not occur. The most common effects that can occur are related to the gastrointestinal tract such as nausea, bloating, diarrhoea or constipation, abdominal discomfort. The possibility of these effects is reduced with the type of metformin that you have been prescribed- metformin er is an extended release tablet. This means that the tablet is released slowly into the system and causes significantly less side effects. You can use vitamins with it

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar