Reactive Hypoglycemia

Reactive hypoglycemia occurs when a high-carbohydrate meal triggers a glucose spike followed by an oversized insulin response. The insulin response in reactive hypoglycemia can overshoot and drive blood sugar below normal. The article frames craving during hypoglycemia as physiological rather than psychological. A large insulin spike can overcorrect blood glucose and cause reactive hypoglycemia. Reactive hypoglycemia is presented as a sign of dysglycemia driven by high-carbohydrate diets. Reactive hypoglycemia can drop blood sugar below fasting baseline about 90 minutes to two hours after eating. When blood sugar crashes after reactive hypoglycemia, ghrelin rises because the body perceives an energy shortage. Reactive hypoglycemia forces cortisol to rise to compensate for the drop in blood sugar, adding to adrenal burden. Starchy foods can cause blood sugar spikes followed by drops, producing reactive hypoglycemia. Hunger after a high-insulin first meal may reflect hormonal aftermath rather than too few calories. The article identifies cortisol release and sugar consumption as two pathways for recovering from low blood sugar. The article recommends reducing carbohydrates, increasi…