Nutritional Management of Hypoglycemia

PURPOSE: People with type 1 diabetes who follow an intensive management program have an increased risk of hypoglycemia, particularly overnight. New strategies for the nutritional management of hypoglycemia are essential. METHODS: The unique properties of foods that affect blood glucose are reviewed, with special attention to a new medical food bar designed to reduce the incidence of nocturnal hypoglycemia. RESULTS: All carbohydrate-containing foods affect blood glucose, but each causes a different rise in concentration. Consuming a variety of conventional foods with different glycemic indices can help control hypoglycemia. A new medical food bar that provides a sequential triphasic release of glucose from sucrose, protein, and uncooked cornstarch can help control blood glucose levels. CONCLUSIONS: Hypoglycemia can be avoided by consuming foods with varying glycemic indices. A new medical food bar that provides sequential release of glucose into the bloodstream may also help control blood glucose levels.