Weakness, trembling hands, or sudden sweating may be signs that your blood glucose level has dropped. Hypoglycemia most often occurs in people with diabetes who receive insulin or certain glucose-lowering medications, and it requires a rapid assessment of the condition.
What low blood sugar is
Hypoglycemia is a condition in which the blood glucose level drops below what is healthy for a particular person. Usually this refers to a glucose level below 4 mmol/L; other guidelines cite below 3.9 mmol/L.
Target numbers are individual, so it is best to check the specific threshold with your treating physician.
Early symptoms when sugar drops
Symptoms of low sugar usually appear quickly. The following signs are most commonly noted:
- hunger, dizziness
- anxiety or irritability
- sweating and trembling
- palpitations, tingling of the lips
- blurred vision and confusion
Symptoms may vary from person to person.
Severe signs of hypoglycemia
With a marked drop in sugar, the condition may worsen. In severe hypoglycemia, seizures or a fit and loss of consciousness are possible. Increasing drowsiness, impaired consciousness, fainting and coma, as well as inappropriate behavior and impaired coordination, have also been described.
Such conditions require help from others and medical services.
Symptoms of low sugar in people with type 2 diabetes
Hypoglycemia is common in people with type 1 diabetes and in people with type 2 diabetes who receive insulin or other glucose-lowering medications. This occurs with insulin and also with certain other glucose-lowering medications. In diabetes, sugar levels are assessed with a glucometer or a continuous glucose monitoring system.
Why sugar can drop
Causes include too large a dose of insulin, problems with injection technique, skipping or delaying meals, insufficient carbohydrates, intense physical activity without changing food or dose, and alcohol, especially without food. In people without diabetes, hypoglycemia is rare; possible causes include malnutrition, Addison's disease, a pancreatic tumor, as well as liver and kidney disease, hormonal deficiency, and certain medications.
Why hypoglycemia is dangerous and when a doctor's help is needed
Severe hypoglycemia can lead to serious complications, including loss of consciousness, coma, and even death. It is recommended to see a doctor if, in diabetes, hypoglycemia occurs frequently, there have been severe episodes or nighttime episodes, and also if symptoms are not always recognized. People without diabetes who experience trembling, sweating, rapid heartbeat, and confusion should also see a doctor. For diagnosis, a blood glucose test is performed; if there is no diabetes, an examination is ordered to determine the cause.
A drop in sugar by itself is not a reason to call an ambulance; call 103 or 112 if a person with very low sugar is not responding normally or is unconscious, and also if they have consumed alcohol.
This material is for reference purposes and does not replace a doctor's consultation: if in doubt, discuss your symptoms and sugar numbers with a specialist.
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This content is for reference and does not replace a doctor's consultation. Medical disclaimer