Hypoglycemia
What is Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar)?
Hypoglycemia means low blood sugar. It happens when your blood sugar drops below normal levels. For many people, this means below 70 mg/dL, but the exact number can vary. It is a potentially dangerous condition that’s most common in people with diabetes
When blood sugar gets too low, it needs to be treated quickly with something sweet like juice, candy, or glucose tablets. If not treated, hypoglycemia can cause serious problems like fainting, confusion, or even seizures. That’s why it’s important that you and the people around you know the signs and how to respond.
Who is at Risk?
Low blood sugar can happen if you:
Take certain diabetes medications
Drink too much alcohol
Skip meals or eat less than usual
Exercise more than usual without adjusting your food intake
Age
What Are the Signs?
Early signs include:
Feeling shaky or dizzy
Fast heartbeat
Sweating
Feeling tired or hungry
Mood changes or irritability
Severe symptoms include:
Blurred vision
Confusion or trouble concentrating
Numbness or tingling (especially around the mouth)
Fainting or seizures
Pale skin
What To Do During a Low Blood Sugar Emergency
Talk to your diabetes care team about your target blood sugar range and what to do if it drops too low.
For mild symptoms, follow the 15-15 Rule:
Eat or drink 15 grams of simple sugar (like 4 glucose tablets, 1/2 cup of juice, or regular soda).
Wait 15 minutes, then check your blood sugar again.
If it’s still low, repeat until your level is back to normal.
For severe symptoms, call your doctor or emergency services right away.
Helpful Tips for Family and Friends
Make sure your family, friends, and coworkers know the signs of low blood sugar and how to help. It’s a good idea to keep sugary snacks like juice or hard candy nearby just in case.