Hypoglycemia - Low Blood Sugar Levels

Hypoglycemia is a condition caused by a very low level of blood sugar (glucose), your body's main energy source.

Hypoglycemia is often related to the treatment of diabetes. However, a variety of conditions — many rare — can cause low blood sugar in people without diabetes. Like fever, hypoglycemia isn't a disease itself — it's an indicator of a health problem.

Immediate treatment of hypoglycemia is necessary when blood sugar levels are at 70 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or 3.9 millimoles per liter (mmol/L) or below. Treatment involves quick steps to get your blood sugar level back into a normal range either with high-sugar foods or drinks or with medications. Long-term treatment requires identifying and treating the underlying cause of hypoglycemia.

Symptoms

If blood sugar levels become too low, signs and symptoms may include:

• An irregular heart rhythm

• Fatigue

• Pale skin

• Shakiness

• Anxiety

• Sweating

• Hunger

• Irritability

• Tingling sensation around the mouth

• Crying out during sleep

As hypoglycemia worsens, signs and symptoms may include:

• Confusion, abnormal behavior or both, such as the inability to complete routine tasks

• Visual disturbances, such as blurred vision

• Seizures

• Loss of consciousness

People with severe hypoglycemia may appear as if they're intoxicated. They may slur their words and move clumsily.

When to see a doctor

Seek a doctor's help immediately if:

• You have what may be symptoms of hypoglycemia and you don't have diabetes.

• You have diabetes and hypoglycemia isn't responding to treatment. Initial treatment of hypoglycemia is drinking juice or regular soft drinks, eating candy or taking glucose tablets. If this treatment doesn't raise your blood sugar and improve your symptoms, contact your doctor right away.

Seek emergency help if:

• Someone with diabetes or a history of recurring hypoglycemia has symptoms of severe hypoglycemia or loses consciousness