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Hypoglycemia, also called low blood sugar or low blood glucose, can be dangerous if not treated. Caused by too much insulin in the blood, it’s common in diabetes. Simple tests can help you monitor your blood glucose so you can catch hypoglycemia early and bring your blood sugar back to a healthy range.
Hypoglycemia is when the level of sugar in the blood drops below a healthy range. It’s also called low blood sugar or low blood glucose. Everyone has different levels of blood sugar at different times. But for most people, low blood sugar is defined as below 70 mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter). Severe hypoglycemia usually happens at lower levels and is generally defined as a low blood sugar event that requires the assistance of someone else in order to correct the low blood sugar. Severe hypoglycemia is dangerous and needs treatment right away.
Hypoglycemia comes from too much insulin in the body. Insulin is a hormone that controls certain functions in your body. It helps your body use glucose for energy. Hypoglycemia is most common, by far, in people with diabetes. Treatment for the disease often involves taking medication to increase insulin. Hypoglycemia can develop if things like food, exercise and diabetes medications are out of balance. Common pitfalls for people with diabetes include:
Also, if someone with diabetes uses the wrong insulin, takes too much or injects it incorrectly, that can cause hypoglycemia. Can someone have hypoglycemia without diabetes?Very rarely, someone has hypoglycemia without diabetes. Scientists are still trying to understand the cause. What are the symptoms of hypoglycemia?Symptoms of hypoglycemia can start quickly, with people experiencing them in different ways. The signs of hypoglycemia are unpleasant. But they provide good warnings that you should take action before blood sugar drops more. The signs include:
You may also experience symptoms while sleeping:
When a hypoglycemic episode gets worse, the brain doesn’t get enough sugar, so you may experience:
During a severe hypoglycemic event, a person may:
Does everyone have symptoms from hypoglycemia?Some people don’t have symptoms or don’t notice them. Healthcare providers call that situation hypoglycemia unawareness. People with such a challenge aren’t aware when they need to do something about their blood sugar. They’re then more likely to have severe episodes and need medical help. People with hypoglycemia unawareness should check their blood sugar more often.
The only way to know if you have hypoglycemia is to check your blood sugar with a blood glucose meter. It’s a small machine that measures blood sugar. Most of these devices use a tiny prick of the finger to take a small amount of blood. People with hypoglycemia unawareness may need a continuous glucose monitor. These wearable devices measure glucose every few minutes, day and night. An alarm sounds if blood sugar drops too low.
The American Diabetes Association recommends the “15-15 rule” for an episode of hypoglycemia:
If you have symptoms of hypoglycemia but can’t test your blood sugar, use the 15-15 rule until you feel better. Note: Children need fewer grams of carbs. Check with your healthcare provider. How do I measure carbs?To know how many carbs you’re having, read food labels. Some examples of about 15 grams:
What if the 15-15 rule doesn’t work?If you don’t feel better after three tries, or if your symptoms get worse, call your healthcare provider or 911. Healthcare providers can use a medication called glucagon. They inject it with a needle or squirt it up your nose. Glucagon is also available for home use. Your healthcare provider can prescribe it and teach a family member or friend how to use it in the event of severe hypoglycemia.
The key to preventing hypoglycemic events is managing diabetes:
Hypoglycemia can be managed when you and your healthcare provider understand what causes your blood sugar to go down. Give your healthcare provider as much information as possible about any hypoglycemic episodes. Fixing the problem may be as simple as changing the times you take medication, eat and exercise. Minor changes to the types of food you eat may also help.
You can take some steps to be ready for hypoglycemia:
A note from Cleveland Clinic Hypoglycemia is quite common in people with diabetes. If not treated, it can cause troubling symptoms, and even serious health problems. Fortunately, you can avoid hypoglycemic episodes by monitoring your blood sugar. You can also make small adjustments to eating and exercising routines.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 03/25/2021. References
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Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy |