Annorexia and Hypoglycemia

Question
Hi, my name is Megan. I'm sixteen years old, and I'm kind of afraid of whats going on with my body. I was just recently diagnosed by my family doctor with Hypoglycemia. I feel it is my fault I've become this because I have been an off and on Anorexic since I was in grade three. What kind of diet should I have to keep my blood sugar at its normal spot...without gaining the weight that I am not willing to gain...? I'm afraid that if I don't eat like I normally do I'll continue to have the black out spells...and eventually go into a coma. Please help me. I'm frightened to death! E-mail me, do whatever you need, I just really would like some answers PLEASE! Thank-you. :(

Answer
Dear Megan,

First off, if your family knows about your anorexia I assume you are in some sort of treatment for this condition?  It is far more serious than hypoglycemia.

I have never heard of someone going into a coma from hypoglycemia, unless it was a person with diabetes who injected them self with too much insulin--the body will naturally recover from a hypoglycemic episode and, while it is a major inconvenience and discomfort, the condition is not fatal.

Your doctor should refer you to a dietitian who can direct you to a healthy eating pattern for your hypoglycemia which you are comfortable with.
Basically, consuming carbohydrates alone tends to lead to a reactive low-glucose episode.  The principles of the diet to treat for hypoglycemia are to include protein and/or fat with all meals and snacks to delay the infusion of sugar into your blood, thereby preventing the dramatically low sugar level that follows from your body's insulin output.

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