If a person with diabetes experiences a rapid drop in their blood sugar level (hypoglycemia), they may experience a range of symptoms, including:
Shakiness, weakness or trembling
Sweating or clamminess
Irritability or confusion
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Headache
Hunger
Rapid or irregular heartbeat
Blurred vision
Numbness or tingling in the lips, tongue or cheeks
Fatigue or weakness
In severe cases, hypoglycemia can lead to seizures, loss of consciousness, or even coma.
If you experience symptoms of hypoglycemia, it is important to take action right away to raise your blood sugar level. Here are some steps you can take:
Consume fast-acting carbohydrates, such as glucose tablets or gel, fruit juice, regular soda, or hard candy.
Check your blood sugar level to confirm that it has returned to a safe range.
Wait 15 minutes and check your blood sugar level again.
If your blood sugar is still too low, consume another serving of fast-acting carbohydrates.
If you have severe symptoms or if your blood sugar level does not improve despite treatment, seek medical attention right away.
It is important for people with diabetes to regularly monitor their blood sugar level, follow their prescribed treatment plan, and work closely with their healthcare team to manage their condition and prevent hypoglycemia and other complications.