Headache after lunch can indicate reactive hypoglycemia

New Delhi, Nov 13: Twenty-three-year-old Rahul (me changed) faced an unusual problem. He used to suffer dizziness, anxiety and regular headaches every time after having a meal. When the problem persisted, he decided to see a doctor and on investigation it was found that the root of the problem was an unusual condition where the blood sugar level drops after a meal instead of rising as is the norm. Rahul was diagnosed with a relatively uncommon condition called reactive hypoglycemia, or postprandial hypoglycemia, which happens due to excess insulin secretion after a meal. “The family history of diabetes could have been the reason for the excess insulin secretion,” Ajay Kumar Ajmani, Senior Consultant, Endocrinology, BLK Super Speciality Hospital here said.

Although extreme cases of reactive hypoglycemia are very rare, doctors say that people with insulin resistance and those who are overweight or obese are vulnerable to this condition. Insulin resistance is a risk factor for the development of Type-2 diabetes, which is increasing in epidemic proportions worldwide — and more so in India. Postprandial hypoglycemia occurs when too much insulin is produced and released by the pancreas following a large carbohydrate-based meal. (IANS)