HYPOGLYCAEMIA CAN SOMETIMES BE A SYMPTOM OF FOOD INTOLERANCE

More importantly, some doctors claim that hypoglycaemia can sometimes be a symptom of food intolerance. The basis for this is that many patients, previously diagnosed as hypoglycaemic, have found that such problems disappear following an elimination diet – although in most cases they were undertaking the diet for other symptoms, and did not expect any improvement in their hypoglycaemia. In children, there seems to be a link between hyperkinetic syndrome and hypoglycaemia – a great many hyperactive children handle glucose abnormally. If the proposed link between food and hyperkinesis is a reality then it may be that food sensitivity is causing the hypoglycaemia in such children. Some of the children’s symptoms, such as poor concentration and irritability, could be due to low blood sugar. The craving for sugary ‘junk food’ that is common in these children may also be a result of hypoglycaemia. Some doctors believe that a high proportion of hypoglycaemia cases might be caused by food intolerance, but at present there is no hard evidence to support this. How foods might cause hypoglycaemia is an open question, but a small group of doctors in the United States are investigating the idea that food sensitivity can make the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas over-active.