Dietary Sensitivities: Dizziness and Nausea After Sweet Foods

Q: Dietary Sensitivities: Dizziness and Nausea After Sweet Foods

Dear Ms. Tsai： 1. According to the diagnostic criteria for diabetes set by the American Diabetes Association, the following are summarized： a. Fasting plasma glucose level ≥ 126 mg/dl after at least 8 hours of fasting, b. Plasma glucose level ≥ 20

Dietary Issues

Hello doctor, I would like to ask you something.
Since elementary school, I have noticed that whenever I consume sweet foods or drinks, I start to feel dizzy and nauseous.
This is very obvious, for example, when I drink beverages or eat chocolate.
Even fruits that are sweet, such as sugarcane, lychee, and longan, cause me to feel dizzy and nauseous shortly after consuming them.
I would like to know if this indicates a medical condition.
Additionally, I have a family history of diabetes, so I am wondering if this could be related to diabetes.
The dizziness and nausea sometimes last for a long time, but sometimes they improve after resting for a short while.

Cai Xiaojie, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/03/31

Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine

Dear Ms.
Tsai:
1.
According to the diagnostic criteria for diabetes set by the American Diabetes Association, the following are summarized:
a.
Fasting plasma glucose level ≥ 126 mg/dl after at least 8 hours of fasting,
b.
Plasma glucose level ≥ 200 mg/dl during a 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test,
c.
HbA1c ≥ 6.5% (this must be confirmed with a method that is certified by the National Glycohemoglobin Standardization Program (NGSP) and meets the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT) standards).
The above criteria a, b, and c must be confirmed on two separate occasions.

d.
Clinical symptoms of diabetes (such as polyuria, polydipsia, polyphagia, and unexplained weight loss) with any plasma glucose level ≥ 200 mg/dl (this condition only requires one occurrence).
2.
Based on your statements, I personally do not believe you have diabetes.
If you still suspect you may have diabetes, you must consult your family physician and possibly undergo necessary tests.
3.
On the other hand, regarding your statement, "consuming sweet foods often makes me feel dizzy and nauseous, sometimes recovering quickly, and other times taking a long time," it is essential to consult your family physician.
This could involve a wide range of conditions, and many issues need to be clarified in person, with special tests if necessary.
From a blood sugar perspective, the possibility of reactive hypoglycemia should be considered.
This includes the most common form, functional reactive hypoglycemia, which is often related to emotional factors, prediabetes, post-gastrointestinal surgery, or congenital abnormalities (alimentary hypoglycemia), as well as hereditary fructose intolerance, among others.
Remember, various systemic diseases may also present similar complaints; thus, it is not necessarily caused by abnormal blood sugar levels.

Reply Date: 2016/03/31

More Info

Experiencing dizziness and nausea after consuming sweet foods can be concerning, especially given your family history of diabetes. While I cannot provide a definitive diagnosis, I can offer some insights into potential causes and considerations based on your symptoms.

Firstly, it’s important to recognize that your symptoms may be related to a condition known as reactive hypoglycemia. This occurs when blood sugar levels drop significantly after consuming a high-sugar meal or beverage. When you consume sweet foods, your body releases insulin to help manage the spike in blood sugar. In some individuals, this insulin response can be exaggerated, leading to a rapid drop in blood sugar levels, which can result in symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, sweating, and even fainting.
Another possibility is that you may have a sensitivity or intolerance to sugar or certain types of carbohydrates. This could manifest as gastrointestinal discomfort or systemic symptoms like dizziness and nausea. Some people experience these symptoms due to the rapid fermentation of sugars in the gut, leading to gas production and discomfort.

Given your family history of diabetes, it is wise to monitor your blood sugar levels. While your symptoms do not directly indicate diabetes, they could suggest a predisposition to glucose regulation issues. It would be beneficial to consult with a healthcare professional who can perform appropriate tests, such as fasting blood glucose and an oral glucose tolerance test, to assess your blood sugar levels and overall metabolic health.

In the meantime, you might consider keeping a food diary to track your symptoms in relation to your dietary intake. Note the specific foods that trigger your symptoms, the timing of your symptoms, and any other accompanying factors (like stress or lack of sleep). This information can be invaluable for your healthcare provider in determining the underlying cause of your symptoms.

Additionally, it may be helpful to adopt some dietary strategies to manage your symptoms. Here are a few recommendations:
1. Balanced Meals: Focus on consuming balanced meals that include a combination of protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates. This can help stabilize blood sugar levels and prevent rapid spikes and drops.

2. Limit Sugary Foods: Given your sensitivity, it may be best to limit or avoid high-sugar foods and beverages. Instead, opt for whole fruits, which contain fiber that can help moderate blood sugar responses.

3. Frequent Small Meals: Eating smaller, more frequent meals can help maintain stable blood sugar levels throughout the day.

4. Stay Hydrated: Ensure you are drinking enough water, as dehydration can exacerbate feelings of dizziness and nausea.

5. Monitor Symptoms: Pay attention to how your body responds to different foods and adjust your diet accordingly.

6. Consult a Specialist: If your symptoms persist or worsen, consider seeing a specialist, such as an endocrinologist or a registered dietitian, who can provide tailored advice and support.

In conclusion, while your symptoms may not directly indicate a specific disease, they warrant further investigation, especially given your family history of diabetes. By monitoring your dietary intake and consulting with a healthcare professional, you can gain a better understanding of your condition and develop a management plan that works for you.

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