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Can Postprandial Hypoglycemia Cause Weight Gain?

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Posted on Tue, 4 Jul 2017
Question: I have reactive hypoglycemia. Would my "overactive" insulin production cause weight gain even though I'm careful about carbs?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Elona (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Yes,it is possible.

Detailed Answer:
Hello
I have gone through your question.

Reactive hypoglycemia,also known as postprandial hypoglycemia means that your blood glucose levels become dangerously low following a meal.

Reactive hypoglycemia is the result of too much insulin being produced and released by the pancreas following a large carbohydrate-based meal.
It is strange that happens to you if you are careful about carbs!

Hypoglycemia means you have too much insulin in your bloodstream.
It causes hunger, which is the reason low blood sugar so often leads to overeating and weight gain.
Your brain is tricked into believing you need more glucose because there is excess insulin in your bloodstream. Glucose that is not used for energy is stored as fat.and this is the way how you gain weight.

So ,my answer for you is:Yes,it is possible that your postprandial insulin overproduction can be the cause of your weight gain.
(P.S Anyway i 'm curious to know if your low blood sugars cause hunger and overeating and this can be the real culpit of your weigh gain)

Hope this is helpful.
Best regards.


Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Elona (2 hours later)
I've been eating smaller meals for the past three weeks because of suspected gastroparesis (I have a suggested list of foods). I feel better generally, but do get low-blood-sugar hungry not too long after I've eaten. So I have been doing more snacking: carrots and humus, tiny wheat crackers and peanut butter, some canned tuna or salmon with canola mayo, or just eating my next meal sooner. I'm a small person--under 5 feet and active and 111-112 pounds is too much on my frame. My fat percentage keeps going up.

This has been helpful. You were curious about whether my low blood sugar makes me more hungry---and that my brain may be tricked by the insulin. That resonates.

Thank you!
doctor
Answered by Dr. Elona (21 hours later)
Brief Answer:
I'm glad I could help.

Detailed Answer:
Hi again.
I appologise for the late reply.

I see that you are have a good diet that can be the solution of your actual problem.

The restriction of refined carbohydrates and avoiding simple sugars can help to avoid reactive hypoglicemia.
Also, Increased protein and fiber in the meal may be beneficial.

You may require 6 small meals and 2-3 snacks per day.

In many patients, use of alpha-glucosidase inhibitors (acarbose and miglitol) may help.This drugs delay glucose absorption and lower postprandial hyperglycemia and thus may prevent reactive hypoglycemia.
(Anyway i suggest to talk with your treating doctor about the right treatement,in your case.)

Hope i have clarified your doubts.
Thanks for using HCM for your health queries.
Wish you good health.
Note: For further follow-up, discuss your blood glucose reports with our diabetologist. Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
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Answered by
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Dr. Elona

Endocrinologist

Practicing since :2008

Answered : 939 Questions

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Can Postprandial Hypoglycemia Cause Weight Gain?

Brief Answer: Yes,it is possible. Detailed Answer: Hello I have gone through your question. Reactive hypoglycemia,also known as postprandial hypoglycemia means that your blood glucose levels become dangerously low following a meal. Reactive hypoglycemia is the result of too much insulin being produced and released by the pancreas following a large carbohydrate-based meal. It is strange that happens to you if you are careful about carbs! Hypoglycemia means you have too much insulin in your bloodstream. It causes hunger, which is the reason low blood sugar so often leads to overeating and weight gain. Your brain is tricked into believing you need more glucose because there is excess insulin in your bloodstream. Glucose that is not used for energy is stored as fat.and this is the way how you gain weight. So ,my answer for you is:Yes,it is possible that your postprandial insulin overproduction can be the cause of your weight gain. (P.S Anyway i 'm curious to know if your low blood sugars cause hunger and overeating and this can be the real culpit of your weigh gain) Hope this is helpful. Best regards.