The Best Protein Shake for Hypoglycemia

If you suffer from hypoglycemia, you may need to add more sugar or carbohydrates to your diet 1. Some protein shakes can offer you added nutritional content that may help you overcome hypoglycemia 1. According to MayoClinic.com, hypoglycemia is often associated with diabetes 1. Always be sure to consult your physician to ensure that your low-blood sugar is not being caused by a more serious underlying health condition.

Hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia occurs when the level of sugar -- glucose -- in your blood gets too low 1. One of the most common reasons for hypoglycemia is a side-effect of drugs used for treating diabetes 1. A low-carb diet can cause frequent bouts of hypoglycemia due to the restriction and limitation of carbohydrates, sugars and other starches 1. Drinking too much alcohol without eating can slow down your liver from releasing stored glucose into your bloodstream, which causes hypoglycemia 1.

Symptoms

Low Blood Sugar in Non-Diabetics

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A protein shake that contains no sugar or carbohydrates will not do much to help with symptoms of hypoglycemia 1. Since your brain relies on glucose to function normally, hypoglycemia can cause you to become confused, lose consciousness or become irritable 1. Other symptoms of hypoglycemia can include headaches, blurred vision, sweating, anxiety, and tremors 1.cause:

• Other symptoms of hypoglycemia can include headaches
  
• blurred vision
  
• sweating
  
• anxiety,
  
• tremors 1

Measuring your blood sugar during symptoms such as these is the only way to be sure they are being caused by hypoglycemia 1. This can be done with a blood glucose monitor.

Protein Shake Options

Protein shakes can help with hypoglycemia if they include added carbohydrates and sugar 1. According to the American College of Sports Medicine, a protein shake that includes between 10 to 20 g of carbohydrates per scoop can help with low-blood sugar caused by low-carb dieting or irregular eating patterns 2. Meal replacements work like protein shakes in that they include high amounts of protein as well as carbohydrates and sugar helping to keep your blood sugar from getting too low.

Healthy Carbohydrate Intake

Low Blood Sugar in the Morning

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Since carbohydrates are your body’s preferred source of energy, getting the proper amount can help you avoid symptoms and frequent bouts of hypoglycemia 1. Aim for 45 to 65 of your daily total calories to come from carbohydrates, advised the American College of Sports Medicine 2. Eating lower than this range can increase your risk for hypoglycemia 1. The best protein shake will have enough carbohydrates to help you reach this daily recommended requirement.