Dizzy from low blood sugar. 10 Critical Warning Signs of Low Blood Sugar: Recognizing Hypoglycemia Symptoms

01.03.201913.04.2021 by alexxlab

What are the key indicators of low blood sugar. How can you identify hypoglycemia symptoms. When should you seek medical attention for low blood sugar. What causes dizziness related to hypoglycemia.

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Understanding Hypoglycemia: The Dangers of Low Blood Sugar

Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, is a condition that can have serious consequences if left untreated. It occurs when blood glucose levels drop below normal, typically below 70 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). For individuals with diabetes, recognizing the warning signs of hypoglycemia is crucial for maintaining health and preventing potentially dangerous situations.

The Mayo Clinic emphasizes the importance of monitoring blood sugar levels and treating low blood sugar promptly to avoid complications. By familiarizing yourself with the symptoms of hypoglycemia, you can take swift action to restore your blood glucose to a safe range.

1. Sudden Hunger: The Body’s Cry for Glucose

One of the most noticeable signs of low blood sugar is an abrupt and intense feeling of hunger. This sensation is your body’s way of signaling that it needs an immediate influx of glucose. The Cleveland Clinic confirms that this unexpected and powerful hunger pangs are a clear indicator of dropping blood sugar levels.

How can you manage blood sugar through diet? The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends consuming 15-20 grams of carbohydrates with each snack and 40-65 grams with each meal. However, these amounts may vary based on individual needs, so it’s essential to work with a dietitian or certified diabetes care and education specialist to create a personalized plan.

Carbohydrate Counting: A Key Strategy

Monitor carbohydrate intake at each meal and snack
Use a food diary or smartphone app to track carbs
Learn to read food labels accurately
Consider the glycemic index of foods when making choices

2. Anxiety and Hormonal Response: The Body’s Defense Mechanism

When blood glucose levels plummet, the body initiates a hormonal response to combat the drop. Merck & Co. explains that this response involves the release of epinephrine (adrenaline) and cortisol, which prompt the liver to release more sugar into the bloodstream.

This surge of hormones can manifest as anxiety, accompanied by physical symptoms such as shakiness, sweating, and heart palpitations. A study published in Case Reports in Psychiatry in July 2016 confirmed the link between low blood sugar and anxiety symptoms.

Distinguishing Anxiety from Hypoglycemia

How can you tell if your anxiety is related to low blood sugar or another cause? Consider these factors:

Timing: Does the anxiety coincide with missed meals or increased physical activity?
Physical symptoms: Are you experiencing other signs of hypoglycemia alongside anxiety?
Blood glucose check: If possible, test your blood sugar when feeling anxious
Response to food: Does consuming carbohydrates alleviate the anxiety?

3. Sleep Disturbances: Nocturnal Hypoglycemia’s Hidden Threat

Nighttime episodes of low blood sugar, known as nocturnal hypoglycemia, can significantly impact sleep quality. Johns Hopkins Medicine reports that about half of all low blood glucose episodes occur during sleep, leading to various disturbances.

What are the symptoms of nocturnal hypoglycemia? Common signs include night sweats, nightmares, sudden waking with confusion or distress, and a general feeling of unrest upon waking. These symptoms can be particularly troubling as they may go unnoticed until morning.

Preventing Nighttime Blood Sugar Drops

Have a bedtime snack containing complex carbohydrates and protein
Aim for a blood sugar reading between 90-150 mg/dL before sleep
Consider using a continuous glucose monitor for nighttime tracking
Discuss medication adjustments with your healthcare provider if nocturnal hypoglycemia is frequent

4. Tremors and Shakiness: The Autonomic Nervous System in Action

Shaking or trembling is a common and often early sign of hypoglycemia. This symptom occurs due to the activation of the autonomic nervous system in response to falling blood sugar levels. Research has shown that this involuntary shaking is a direct result of the body’s attempt to raise blood glucose.

Why does low blood sugar cause shaking? The release of adrenaline as part of the body’s stress response triggers muscle tremors. This reaction is designed to alert you to the need for glucose and to prepare your body for action.

Differentiating Hypoglycemic Tremors from Other Causes

To determine if your shaking is due to low blood sugar:

Check your blood glucose level if possible
Note if the tremors are accompanied by other hypoglycemia symptoms
Observe if the shaking subsides after consuming fast-acting carbohydrates
Keep a log of when tremors occur in relation to meals and medication

5. Emotional Instability: The Neurological Impact of Low Blood Sugar

Hypoglycemia can have a profound effect on mood and emotional stability. Research has shown that low blood sugar levels can trigger sudden emotional episodes that are uncharacteristic of an individual’s normal behavior. These mood swings may include irritability, stubbornness, or feelings of depression.

How does low blood sugar affect the brain? When glucose levels drop, the brain’s function is compromised, leading to changes in neurotransmitter activity. This alteration can result in rapid and sometimes extreme shifts in mood and behavior.

Managing Emotional Symptoms of Hypoglycemia

Educate family and friends about the emotional effects of low blood sugar
Practice stress-reduction techniques to help manage irritability
Keep a mood journal to track emotional changes in relation to blood sugar levels
Seek support from a mental health professional if emotional instability persists

6. Excessive Sweating: A Telltale Sign of Dropping Glucose

Sweating is often one of the earliest and most reliable indicators of hypoglycemia. A 2017 article in Practical Diabetes highlighted that up to 84 percent of people with diabetes experience sweating during hypoglycemic episodes. This symptom is a direct result of the body’s release of adrenaline in response to falling glucose levels.

Where should you check for hypoglycemia-related sweating? The back of the neck is a key area to monitor. According to Kaiser Permanente, sweating in this region is almost always present during low blood sugar episodes but should subside shortly after glucose intake.

Distinguishing Hypoglycemic Sweating from Other Causes

To determine if your sweating is related to low blood sugar:

Check if the sweating is accompanied by other hypoglycemia symptoms
Note the timing of the sweating in relation to meals and medication
Measure your blood glucose level if possible
Observe if the sweating resolves after treating the low blood sugar

7. Lightheadedness and Dizziness: When Your Brain Lacks Fuel

Feeling lightheaded or dizzy is a common symptom of hypoglycemia that occurs when the brain is deprived of its primary energy source: glucose. Harvard Health Publishing explains that as blood sugar drops, the brain attempts to conserve energy, which can result in a sensation of lightheadedness.

How should you respond to hypoglycemia-induced dizziness? The Mayo Clinic recommends treating the low blood sugar quickly with 15 to 20 grams of fast-acting carbohydrates, such as fruit juice. It’s also advisable to lie down if possible. If lightheadedness persists for more than 15 minutes after treatment, seek medical attention.

Preventing Falls Due to Hypoglycemic Dizziness

Sit or lie down immediately when feeling dizzy
Keep fast-acting glucose sources easily accessible
Use assistive devices like handrails when necessary
Inform those around you about your condition and how they can help

Additional Warning Signs of Low Blood Sugar

While the symptoms discussed above are some of the most common indicators of hypoglycemia, there are several other warning signs to be aware of:

8. Difficulty Concentrating

The brain’s reliance on glucose for energy means that a drop in blood sugar can impair cognitive function. This can manifest as difficulty focusing on tasks or maintaining attention. While moderate hypoglycemia episodes don’t appear to cause long-term brain damage, according to a past review, consistent exposure to low blood sugar can impact cognitive performance over time.

9. Vision Problems

Sudden changes in vision can be a sign of low blood sugar. A case report found that blurred vision is the most common eye-related symptom, affecting 73 percent of study participants. Other visual disturbances may include dimness in vision (45 percent) and the appearance of black spots (37 percent).

10. Slurred Speech and Clumsiness

When blood sugar levels drop below 40 mg/dL, it can affect motor control and speech. The University of Michigan Health Systems notes that slurred speech is a common symptom at this level of hypoglycemia. Combined with clumsiness, another sign of low blood sugar, these symptoms may mimic intoxication, even in the absence of alcohol consumption.

Understanding and recognizing these warning signs is crucial for managing hypoglycemia effectively. By staying vigilant and responding promptly to these symptoms, individuals with diabetes can maintain better blood sugar control and reduce the risk of severe hypoglycemic episodes.

The Importance of Blood Sugar Awareness and Management

Recognizing the signs of low blood sugar is only part of effective diabetes management. It’s equally important to understand how to prevent hypoglycemia and respond appropriately when it occurs. Here are some key strategies for maintaining healthy blood sugar levels:

Regular Blood Glucose Monitoring

Test blood sugar levels as recommended by your healthcare provider
Use a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) for real-time tracking
Keep a log of blood sugar readings to identify patterns
Learn to interpret your results and adjust your management plan accordingly

Balanced Meal Planning

Proper nutrition plays a crucial role in preventing hypoglycemia. Work with a registered dietitian to create a meal plan that balances carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Consider the following tips:

Eat regular meals and snacks to maintain steady blood sugar levels
Choose complex carbohydrates that provide sustained energy
Include protein and healthy fats with each meal to slow glucose absorption
Adjust your food intake based on physical activity levels

Medication Management

For those taking insulin or other diabetes medications, proper dosing and timing are essential to prevent hypoglycemia. Consider these factors:

Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions for medication dosage and timing
Be aware of how different medications affect your blood sugar levels
Adjust medication as needed for changes in diet, exercise, or illness
Keep a record of medication doses and their effects on your blood sugar

When to Seek Medical Attention for Low Blood Sugar

While many cases of hypoglycemia can be managed at home, there are situations where professional medical help is necessary. Be aware of the following scenarios that require immediate attention:

Severe Hypoglycemia

Severe hypoglycemia occurs when blood sugar levels drop so low that an individual requires assistance from others to treat the condition. Signs of severe hypoglycemia include:

Loss of consciousness or seizures
Inability to swallow or take oral glucose
Confusion or disorientation that doesn’t improve with glucose intake
Persistent symptoms despite attempts to raise blood sugar

In these cases, emergency medical services should be contacted immediately. Glucagon, a hormone that raises blood sugar, may need to be administered by a trained individual or medical professional.

Recurrent Hypoglycemia

If you experience frequent episodes of low blood sugar, it’s important to consult with your healthcare provider. Recurrent hypoglycemia may indicate a need to adjust your diabetes management plan. Your doctor can help identify the underlying causes and make necessary changes to your medication, diet, or lifestyle.

The Link Between Dizziness and Hypoglycemia

Dizziness is a common and potentially dangerous symptom of low blood sugar. Understanding the connection between dizziness and hypoglycemia can help individuals with diabetes manage their condition more effectively.

Why Does Low Blood Sugar Cause Dizziness?

Dizziness occurs during hypoglycemia for several reasons:

Reduced brain function: The brain requires a constant supply of glucose to function properly. When blood sugar drops, the brain’s ability to process information and maintain balance is impaired.
Hormonal response: The body’s release of stress hormones like adrenaline in response to low blood sugar can affect the inner ear, leading to a sensation of dizziness or vertigo.
Blood pressure changes: Hypoglycemia can cause fluctuations in blood pressure, which may contribute to feelings of lightheadedness or dizziness.
Dehydration: Low blood sugar can sometimes lead to increased urination, potentially causing dehydration, which can exacerbate dizziness.

Managing Dizziness Related to Hypoglycemia

To address dizziness caused by low blood sugar:

Check your blood glucose level if you feel dizzy
Consume fast-acting carbohydrates if blood sugar is low
Sit or lie down to prevent falls
Wait for symptoms to subside before resuming activities
Seek medical attention if dizziness persists or is severe

By recognizing the signs of hypoglycemia and understanding how to manage symptoms like dizziness, individuals with diabetes can maintain better control over their blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of complications. Regular monitoring, proper nutrition, and adherence to medication regimens are key components of effective diabetes management. Always consult with healthcare professionals for personalized advice on managing hypoglycemia and its symptoms.

10 Warning Signs of Low Blood Sugar

To prevent hypoglycemia and its potentially dangerous side effects, monitor your blood sugar levels and treat low blood sugar as soon as you become aware of it, recommends the Mayo Clinic.

Also, pay attention to these telltale signs of dipping blood sugar levels to make sure yours stays under control:

1. Ravenous Hunger

If you suddenly, inexplicably feel as if you’re starving, your body is signaling that it’s experiencing a blood sugar drop, according to the Cleveland Clinic. You can manage your blood sugar by counting your carbohydrate intake. A good starting point is the ADA’s recommendation to eat between 15 and 20 grams (g) of carbohydrates with each snack and between 40 and 65 g at each meal, though you should work with your dietitian or certified diabetes care and education specialist to determine what’s right for you.

2. Feelings of Anxiety

When glucose levels fall too low, your body releases the hormones epinephrine (also called adrenaline) and cortisol, which signals the liver to release more sugar into the blood, according to Merck & Co. That can lead to anxiety and its associated symptoms, such as shakiness, sweating, and heart palpitations, according to research published in July 2016 in Case Reports in Psychiatry.

RELATED: What’s the Connection Between Diabetes and Anxiety?

3. Restless Nights

Nocturnal hypoglycemia, which accounts for about half of all low blood glucose episodes, can cause a number of sleep disturbances, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. “Symptoms include night sweats, nightmares, episodes of waking suddenly and crying out, and feelings of unrest and confusion upon waking,” says Palinski-Wade. “A snack before bed can reduce the frequency and severity of sleep disturbances.” Ideally, your blood sugar reading should be between 90 and 150 mg/dL before rest, according to Joslin Diabetes Center.

4. Shakes and Tremors

Shakiness is a symptom that occurs when the autonomic nervous system is activated during hypoglycemia, according to previous research.

RELATED: 8 Ways to Sleep Better When You Have Type 2 Diabetes

5. Emotional Instability

Mood swings and sudden emotional episodes not typical of your normal behavior are among the neurological symptoms of hypoglycemia and can include irritability, stubbornness, and feelings of depression, according to research.

6. Sweating

Sweating is usually one of the first signs of hypoglycemia and, as mentioned, occurs as a result of adrenaline, which increases as glucose levels drop, according to a 2017 article in Practical Diabetes. Up to 84 percent of people with diabetes experience sweating when they’re hypoglycemic, according to the research. Check the back of your neck for sweating. According to Kaiser Permanente, it’s almost always present during low blood sugar episodes but should go away shortly after you take in some sugar.

RELATED: What to Do When Blood Sugar Levels Drop Too Low

7. Lightheadedness

When your blood sugar is low, your brain tries to preserve as much energy as possible, so you may feel lightheaded as a result, according to Harvard Health Publishing. If you experience this common symptom of hypoglycemia, treat the hypoglycemia quickly with 15 to 20 g of fast-acting carbs, such as juice, suggests the Mayo Clinic. Try to lie down, too, and if the lightheadedness keeps up for more than 15 minutes, it’s time to seek medical help, suggests Harvard.

8. Difficulty Concentrating

The brain relies on blood sugar for energy, so if there’s a drop in glucose, your brain may not function properly, according to Harvard Health Publishing. That can make it difficult to concentrate on one thing at a time. The good news is there doesn’t appear to be any long-term brain damage caused by moderate hypoglycemia episodes, according to a past review.

RELATED: Tired All the Time? Diabetes Could Be to Blame

9. Vision Problems

If you suddenly start experiencing vision problems, a drop in blood sugar may be the culprit. According to a past case report, blurred vision is the most common eye-related symptom (affecting 73 percent of study participants), followed by dimness in vision (about 45 percent) and black spots (37 percent).

10. Slurred Speech and Clumsiness

Your sugar-starved brain may change the way you sound. Slurred speech is a common symptom associated with blood sugar levels that drop below 40 mg/dL, according to University of Michigan Health Systems. Combined with clumsiness — another sign of low blood sugar — you may seem as though you’ve had a few too many cocktails, even if you haven’t touched a drop, according to the National Health Service.

RELATED: Hypoglycemia Unawareness Is Common in People With Type 2 Diabetes, Research Suggests

Why Am I Dizzy? 7 Possible Causes of Dizziness and How To Treat It

Many parts of your body — including your eyes, brain, inner ear, and nerves in your feet and spine — work together to keep you balanced. When a part of that system is off, you can feel dizzy. It can be a sign of something serious, and it can be dangerous if it makes you fall.

Your doctor will look at all your symptoms and overall health to figure out what’s going on and how to treat it.

Get medical attention immediately if you’re dizzy and you faint, fall, or can’t walk or have any of the following:

Is It Vertigo?

Does it feel like you’re spinning or the room is moving around you? That’s a classic sign of a particular type of dizziness called vertigo. It’s more than feeling off-kilter and usually gets worse when you move your head. This is a symptom that there is an issue in the inner ear or part of the brainstem governing balance. The most common kind is benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, or BPPV.

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Your inner ear is a complicated system of canals filled with fluid. These let your brain know how your head is moving. With BPPV, tiny bits of calcium in part of your inner ear get loose and move to places they don’t belong. The system doesn’t work the way it should and sends your brain the wrong signals.

It’s often caused by the natural breakdown of cells that happens with age. A head injury can cause it, too.

You’ll feel it briefly when you tilt or turn your head, and especially when you roll over in bed or sit up. BPPV isn’t serious and usually goes away on its own. If not — or you’d like to help it along — it can be treated with special head exercises (“particle repositioning exercises”) called the Epley maneuver to get the pieces of calcium back in place. Most people feel better after one to three treatments.

There are other causes of vertigo both in and outside the brain. You can have Meniere disease (described below), labyrinthitis (described below), a tumor called an acoustic neuroma or side effects from some antibiotics. In the brain, it can be caused by a vestibular migraine, multiple sclerosis, malformations of brain structures or a stroke from lack of blood flow or bleed (hemorrhage) in the cerebellum.

Is It an Infection?

Inflammation of the nerves in your ears also can cause vertigo. It can be either vestibular neuritis or labyrinthitis. Vestibular neuritis refers to inflammation of your vestibular nerve only while labyrinthitis involved both your vestibular nerve and your cochlear nerve. Both conditions are caused by an infection. Usually, a virus is to blame. But bacteria from a middle ear infection or meningitis can make their way into your inner ear as well.

In this case, dizziness usually comes on suddenly. Your ears may ring, and it may be hard to hear. You also may be nauseated and have a fever and ear pain. Symptoms can last several weeks.

If it’s caused by a virus and can’t be treated with antibiotics, medication can help make you feel better as the infection runs its course.

Is It Meniere’s Disease?

This condition brings on intense periods of vertigo that can last hours. You may feel fullness or pressure in one ear. Other symptoms include ringing in your ears, hearing loss, and nausea. You may feel exhausted after the attack passes.

People with Meniere’s disease have too much fluid in their inner ear. Doctors don’t know what causes it, and there’s no cure for it. It’s usually treated with diet changes (a low-salt diet) and medicine to control the dizziness.

Is It Your Circulation?

Dizziness can be a sign of a problem with your blood flow. Your brain needs a steady supply of oxygen-rich blood. Otherwise, you can become lightheaded and even faint.

Some causes of low blood flow to the brain include blood clots, clogged arteries, heart failure, and an irregular heartbeat. For many older people, standing suddenly can cause a sharp drop in blood pressure.

It’s important to get medical help immediately if you’re dizzy and faint or lose consciousness.

Is It Your Medication?

Several drugs list dizziness as a possible side effect. Check with your doctor if you take:

Antibiotics, including gentamicin and streptomycin
Anti-depressants
Anti-seizure medications
Blood pressure medicine
Sedatives

Is It Dehydration?

Many people don’t drink enough fluids to replace the liquid they lose every day when they sweat, breathe, and pee. It’s particularly a problem for older people and people with diabetes.

When you’re severely dehydrated, your blood pressure can drop, your brain may not get enough oxygen, and you’ll feel dizzy. Other symptoms of dehydration include thirstiness, tiredness, and dark urine.

To help with dehydration, drink plenty of water or diluted fruit juice, and limit coffee, tea, and soda.

Is It Low Blood Sugar?

People with diabetes need to check the amount of sugar (glucose) in their blood often. You can get dizzy if it drops too low. That also can cause hunger, shakiness, sweating, and confusion. Some people without diabetes also have trouble with low blood sugar, but that’s rare.

A quick fix is to eat or drink something with sugar, like juice or a hard candy.

Is It Something Else?

Dizziness can be a sign of many other illnesses, including:

Migraines, even if you don’t feel pain
Stress or anxiety
Nervous-system problems like peripheral neuropathy and multiple sclerosis
Tumor in the brain or inner ear

You may have other symptoms besides dizziness with any of these conditions. If your dizziness won’t go away or impacts your ability to function, make sure to discuss it with your doctor to find out the cause and treat it.

Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar): Symptoms, causes, and treatment

Hypoglycemia refers to low levels of sugar, or glucose, in the blood. Hypoglycemia is not a disease, but it can indicate a health problem.

All the body’s cells, including the brain, need energy to function. Glucose supplies energy to the body. Insulin, a hormone, enables the cells to absorb and use it.

Signs of low blood sugar include hunger, trembling, heart racing, nausea, and sweating. In severe cases, it can lead to coma and death.

Hypoglycemia can occur with several conditions, but it most commonly happens as a reaction to medications, such as insulin. People with diabetes use insulin to treat high blood sugar.

Hypoglycemia happens when there is not enough glucose, or sugar, in the blood.

The National Institutes of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), note that symptoms usually appear when blood sugar levels are below 70 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL).

However, this number can vary between individuals.

Blood glucose monitors are available for purchase online.

People with mild hypoglycemia may experience the following early symptoms:

hunger
tremor or trembling
sweating
shaking
a pale face
heart palpitations
rapid or irregular heart rate
dizziness and weakness
blurred vision
confusion

Severe hypoglycemia may involve:

weakness and tiredness
poor concentration
irritability and nervousness
confusion
irrational or argumentative behavior and personality changes
tingling in the mouth
coordination problems

Complications

If a person does not take action, they may have:

difficulty eating or drinking
seizures
a loss of consciousness
coma

Severe hypoglycemia can be life-threatening.

A person who regularly experiences hypoglycemia may become unaware that it is happening or getting worse. They will not notice the warning signs, and this can lead to severe and possibly fatal complications.

Hypoglycemia is often a sign of poorly managed diabetes.

Hypoglycemia can occur for various reasons.

Blood sugar regulation

The digestive system breaks down carbohydrates from food. One of the molecules this creates is glucose, the body’s main source of energy.

Glucose enters the bloodstream after we eat. However, glucose needs insulin — a hormone that the pancreas produces — before it can enter a cell. In other words, even if there is plenty of glucose available, a cell will starve of energy if there is no insulin.

After eating, the pancreas automatically releases the right amount of insulin to move the glucose in blood into the cells. As glucose enters the cells, the blood sugar levels fall.

Any extra glucose goes into the liver and muscles in the form of glycogen, or stored glucose. The body can use this glucose later when it needs more energy.

Insulin is responsible for bringing high blood sugar levels back to normal.

If glucose levels fall because an individual has not eaten for a while, the pancreas secretes glucagon — another hormone — which triggers the breakdown of stored glycogen into glucose.

The body then releases the glycogen into the bloodstream, bringing glucose levels back up.

Hypoglycemia and diabetes

Share on PinterestTesting blood sugar regularly can help those with diabetes to prevent hypoglycemia.

Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes involve a problem with insulin.

Type 1 diabetes: Damage to the cells that normally produce insulin means that the body cannot produce insulin.

Type 2 diabetes: The body’s cells do not respond properly to insulin or the pancreas may not release enough insulin.

In both types of diabetes, the cells do not get enough energy.

People with type 1 diabetes and some people with type 2 need to take insulin or other drugs to reduce their blood sugar levels.

If the dose is too high, blood sugar levels can fall too far, leading to hypoglycemia.

Hypoglycemia can also occur if the person exercises more than usual or does not eat enough.

A person does not need to increase their dose to have too much insulin in their body. It may be that the insulin they took was more than their body needed at that moment.

According to the NIDDK, both insulin and two other drugs can result in hypoglycemia. These drugs are sulfonylureas and meglitinides.

Hypoglycemia in children: Pediatric ketotic hypoglycemia

Some children experience pediatric ketotic hypoglycemia, involving low blood sugar levels and high levels of a substance known as ketones.

Doctors do not know exactly why this happens, but causes may include:

metabolism problems that the child was born
conditions that lead to excess production of certain hormones

Symptoms usually appear after the age of 6 months and disappear before adolescence.

They include:

fatigue
headaches
pale skin
confusion
dizziness
irritability
mood changes
clumsy or jerky movements

If a child shows any of the above signs or symptoms, they should see a doctor as soon as possible.

Insulin autoimmune syndrome

Another possible cause of hypoglycemia is insulin autoimmune syndrome, a rare disease that happens when the body’s immune system attacks insulin, mistaking it for an unwanted substance.

Symptoms tend to appear suddenly, according to the Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD). They often go away after a few months, but sometimes they come back again.

Treatment can usually control the symptoms.

Symptoms and treatment are similar to those for hypoglycemia due to other causes.

Other causes

People may experience hypoglycemia for other reasons.

Some medications: Quinine, a drug that prevents malaria, can trigger hypoglycemia. High doses of salicylates, used to treat rheumatic disease, or propranolol for hypertension (high blood pressure) may also cause blood sugar levels to drop. It can also happen when a person takes diabetes medication without having diabetes.

Alcohol consumption: Drinking large amounts of alcohol can cause the liver to stop releasing stored glucose into the bloodstream.

Some liver diseases: Drug-induced hepatitis can lead to hypoglycemia, because it affects the liver.

Kidney disorders: People with a kidney disorder may have problems excreting medications. This can result in low blood sugar levels.

Not eating enough: People with eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa, may experience dramatic falls in their blood sugar levels. Fasting or missing a meal may lead to low blood sugar levels.

Insulinoma: A tumor in the pancreas can cause the pancreas to produce too much insulin.

Increased activity: Increasing levels of physical activity can lower blood sugar levels for some time.

Endocrine problems: Some disorders of the adrenal and pituitary glands can lead to hypoglycemia. This is more common in children than adults.

Reactive, or postprandial, hypoglycemia: The pancreas produces too much insulin after a meal.

Tumors: Rarely, a tumor in a part of the body other than the pancreas can cause hypoglycemia.

Severe illness: Some diseases, such as cancer, can affect many different organs, including the pancreas. This can lead to hypoglycemia.

Anybody who experiences the symptoms of hypoglycemia but does not know why should see a doctor.

The doctor will probably:

order a blood test to measure blood sugar levels
ask about symptoms, and whether they improve after blood sugar levels return to normal
check the patient’s medical history and any medications they are taking
ask the person about their alcohol consumption

Whipple’s triad

A collection of three criteria, known as Whipple’s criteria, can suggest that symptoms stem from a pancreatic tumor.

The three criteria of Whipple’s Triad are as follows:

Signs and symptoms indicate hypoglycemia.
When symptoms occur, a blood test shows low plasma glucose levels.
When glucose rises to normal levels, symptoms go away.

At the time of a visit to the doctor, a person may not have symptoms. The doctor may ask them to fast for a time, usually overnight. This allows hypoglycemia to occur so that the doctor can make a diagnosis.

Some people may have to spend time in the hospital and fast for longer.

If symptoms appear after eating, they will need another glucose test after eating.

Learn more here about pancreatic cancer.

A person who notices the signs of hypoglycemia should immediately consume:

a glucose tablet
a sugar lump
a candy
a glass of fruit juice

These can bring rapid results. After this, they should eat slower-release carbohydrates, such as cereals, bread, rice, or fruit.

Glucose tablets are available to purchase online.

The next step is to seek treatment for any underlying cause,

For diabetes

A person with diabetes should check their blood glucose and treat the hypoglycemia, then wait 15–20 minutes and check their blood sugar again.

If blood glucose levels are still low, the person should repeat the process. They should eat some glucose, wait about 15–20 minutes, then check their blood sugar again.

People with diabetes need to keep to regular eating times. This will help to keep blood glucose levels stable

Severe symptoms

If symptoms are severe, and the individual cannot treat themselves, somebody else will need to apply honey, treacle, jam, or Glucogel to the inside of the cheeks and then gently massage the outside of the cheeks.

The person should start feeling better within 10–20 minutes.

Losing consciousness

If the person loses consciousness, someone should place them in the recovery position, and a qualified health professional should administer a glucagon injection.

If this is not possible, someone should call for emergency services to take the person to the emergency department of a hospital.

It is important not to place food or drink into the mouth of an unconscious person, as it could block the airways.

Share on PinterestComplex carbohydrates, such as brown rice, can help prevent hypoglycemia.

A number of dietary factors may help control hypoglycemia.

Low-sugar diet: A low intake of simple sugars and a high intake of complex carbohydrates is helpful. Complex carbs take longer to absorb, and this can help prevent glucose swings.

Small, frequent meals: Eating small meals at least three times a day can help maintain blood sugar levels.

Find out more about counting carbs in our dedicated article here.

Some people have recommended a low-sugar, high-protein diet for people with hypoglycemia, but this may reduce glucose tolerance and add unwanted fat to the diet.

Hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia both relate to blood sugar levels, but they are not the same.

Hypoglycemia: There is too little glucose in the blood, below 70 mg/dL.

Hyperglycemia: Glucose levels are too high, above 126 mg/L when fasting or 200 mg/dL 2 hours after eating.

Eating regular meals that include complex carbohydrates can prevent hypoglycemia for most people.

Those with a risk of hypoglycemia due to a medical condition should also:

Follow a treatment plan: It is important to follow the doctor’s instructions and seek help if symptoms change.

Checking blood glucose levels: Those at risk should check their blood sugar levels regularly and know how to recognize the symptoms.

Alcohol: Follow the daily alcohol limits that a doctor recommends and avoid drinking alcohol without food.

Exercise: Eat a carbohydrate-rich snack before exercising and be aware of how exercise can impact blood sugar levels.

Taking care when sick: Vomiting, for example, can prevent the body from absorbing enough energy.

Being ready: Carry a container of sugary fruit juice or a candy bar in case symptoms appear.

Letting people know: Those who are prone to low blood sugar should let friends, colleagues, and family members know.

Medical ID: Carrying a form of ID or medical bracelet will enable healthcare providers, emergency services, and others to know what to do sooner.

Hypoglycemia can lead to symptoms such as dizziness, weakness, and, in severe cases, a loss of consciousness.

People with a number of medical conditions, including diabetes, may have a higher risk of hypoglycemia.

It is important to know how to recognize the symptoms and to be ready to take action if they occur.