Overview
Hypoglycemia is a fall in blood sugar below the normal level, most often in people with diabetes who take insulin or certain tablets, especially if they miss a meal, exercise more, or take too much medicine. It causes sudden sweating, shakiness, hunger and confusion, and if untreated it can lead to fits or unconsciousness. It is a medical emergency at its severe end but is quickly reversed by taking sugar, so people with diabetes and their families should know the warning signs.
Symptoms
- Sudden sweating, shakiness and palpitations
- Intense hunger
- Dizziness, weakness and irritability
- Difficulty concentrating or confusion
- Fits or loss of consciousness if severe
When to see a doctor
Take sugar at once for warning signs. See a doctor if lows happen often, and treat unconsciousness or fits as an emergency.
Emergency — call 108 or go to the nearest hospital
- Confusion, fits, or loss of consciousness from low sugar — give sugar if the person can swallow, and call 108 immediately
Causes
In diabetes, too much insulin or sugar-lowering medicine, a missed meal, extra exercise or alcohol; rarely, other hormonal or liver conditions.