Can people with hypoglycemia eat lychees?
Sep 06, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Pan Yongyuan
Introduction
Hypoglycemia patients should generally avoid eating lychee. Hypoglycemia is usually caused by excessively high insulin levels. Lychee contains relatively high amounts of fructose, and consuming it may lead to excessive insulin secretion in a short time, increasing insulin levels and worsening hypoglycemic symptoms. Additionally, the fructose in lychee is absorbed slowly and needs to be converted into glucose before it can be utilized, so lychee is not recommended for individuals with hypoglycemia.
Generally, patients with hypoglycemia should avoid eating lychees, as it may worsen their condition.
Hypoglycemia is usually caused by excessively high levels of insulin in the body. Lychees contain relatively high amounts of fructose. After consumption, this may trigger excessive insulin secretion within a short time, further increasing insulin levels and thereby exacerbating symptoms of hypoglycemia. Patients may experience discomfort such as hand tremors, palpitations, and pallor; in severe cases, they might even fall into a coma. Moreover, fructose from lychees is absorbed slowly in the human body and needs to be converted into glucose before it can be utilized, which is a relatively lengthy process. Therefore, lychee consumption is generally not recommended for individuals with hypoglycemia.
Patients experiencing hypoglycemia can consume foods such as chocolate or biscuits. They should also be closely monitored for signs of eating difficulties or loss of consciousness. Additionally, under medical guidance, diuretics such as hydrochlorothiazide or furosemide may be used to inhibit insulin release, thus helping to raise blood glucose levels.
