Symptoms

Early warning signs and symptoms

Initial signs and symptoms of diabetic hypoglycemia include:

• Shakiness
• Dizziness
• Sweating
• Hunger
• Fast heartbeat
• Inability to concentrate
• Confusion
• Irritability or moodiness
• Anxiety or nervousness
• Headache

Nighttime signs and symptoms

If diabetic hypoglycemia occurs when you're sleeping, signs and symptoms that may awaken you include:

• Damp sheets or nightclothes due to perspiration
• Nightmares
• Tiredness, irritability or confusion upon waking

Severe signs and symptoms

If diabetic hypoglycemia isn't treated, signs and symptoms of severe hypoglycemia can occur. These include:

• Clumsiness or jerky movements
• Inability to eat or drink
• Muscle weakness
• Difficulty speaking or slurred speech
• Blurry or double vision
• Drowsiness
• Confusion
• Convulsions or seizures
• Unconsciousness
• Death, rarely

Symptoms can differ from person to person or from episode to episode. Some people don't have any noticeable symptoms. It's also possible you won't have any symptoms of hypoglycemia, so it's important to monitor your blood sugar levels regularly and keep track of how you're feeling when your blood sugar is low.

When to see a doctor

Severe hypoglycemia can lead to serious problems, including seizures or unconsciousness, that require emergency care. Make sure your family, friends and co-workers know what to do in an emergency.

If you're with someone who loses consciousness or can't swallow due to low blood sugar:

• Don't inject insulin, as this will cause blood sugar levels to drop even further
• Don't give fluids or food, because these could cause choking
• Give glucagon — a hormone that stimulates the release of sugar into the blood — through injection or nasally
• Call 911 or emergency services in your area for immediate treatment if glucagon isn't on hand

If you have symptoms of hypoglycemia several times a week or more, see your doctor. You may need to change your medication dosage or timing, or otherwise adjust your diabetes treatment regimen.