How to Get Tested for Hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia is a condition defined by low blood sugar level. It's most common in people with diabetes who take insulin, although skipping meals and too much exercise can also cause hypoglycemia. Become familiar with the symptoms of hypoglycemia and see a doctor for a test if you have a family history of this condition or experience these symptoms regularly.

Instructions

• 1

  Take a food avoidance test. You can do this on your own by simply eliminating one food at a time from your diet.

• 2

  Start with a particular food that seems to cause episodes of dizziness, fatigue, sweating, hunger, confusion and shakiness.

• 3

  Keep a daily log for two weeks. Record everything you eat and write down your symptoms, if any. People with hypoglycemia usually feel the weakest after excessive exercise or during prolonged periods of not eating.

• 4

  Challenge your findings by reintroducing the foods that seem to bring on the most symptoms. The best check is to eat that food for three meals in one day and if symptoms arise within 48 hours, you may have found the culprit.

• 5

  Confirm your findings by taking that food out of your diet once again and reintroduce it two or three more times.

• 6

  Ask your doctor to test you for hypoglycemia if symptoms are persistent and frequent. Get a full physical and allergy assessment test.

• 7

  Fast before you take the test. For blood tests, most doctors ask their patients to fast the night before. However, if your doctor orders a urine test, fasting may not be necessary. An oral glucose tolerance test may also be necessary. Follow your doctor's orders and advice.