What is low blood sugar?
Low blood sugar, also known as hypoglycemia, occurs when blood sugar levels fall below 3.9 mmol/L. For people with diabetes, this can be a familiar condition, especially if they are taking insulin or other blood sugar-lowering medication. However, it can also affect others, for example, if you skip meals, exercise intensely without eating, or drink alcohol without eating food at the same time.
When blood sugar drops, the body lacks fuel to function normally. The brain is particularly sensitive to low sugar levels, so symptoms can range from physical discomfort to psychological and cognitive disturbances.
Common symptoms of low blood sugar
When blood sugar drops, the body reacts with various symptoms. These can vary from person to person, but typically you will experience:
- Sweating
- Shaking
- Hunger
- Dizziness
- Palpitations
- Headache
When should you be extra careful?
The symptoms may be mild at first, but if you ignore them, they can worsen quickly. In particular, people who have had diabetes for many years may experience fewer warning signs, making it even more important to measure blood sugar regularly.
How to recognise low blood sugar
The symptoms of low blood sugar can vary from person to person, but some signs are often recurring. Many experience a sudden and intense hunger that can feel almost insatiable. At the same time, you may get sweaty hands, start shaking, or feel dizzy.
Palpitations are also common as the body tries to compensate for the lack of energy by pumping blood around faster. Some also experience headaches, which can be sharp or throbbing, and which do not always disappear even after blood sugar has stabilized.
Mental symptoms – when the brain lacks fuel
When your blood sugar drops, it can affect your brain function. You may suddenly feel confused and have difficulty concentrating. For some, it may feel like they are thinking in slow motion, and ordinary tasks can feel overwhelming.
Irritability is also a classic symptom. Small things can seem overwhelming, and you may react more aggressively or emotionally than usual. In some cases, low blood sugar can lead to slurred speech, which can make those around you think you are drunk - even though you just need sugar in your blood.
Low blood sugar affects the brain, which can lead to:
- Confusion
- Irritability
- Concentration difficulties
- Slurred speech
- Unusual behavior
Can it resemble alcohol intoxication?
Yes, sometimes the symptoms of low blood sugar can be mistaken for being drunk. This can be dangerous if those around you do not understand the situation.
When does low blood sugar occur?
There are several situations where blood sugar can drop too low. If you have diabetes and have taken too much insulin in relation to the food you have eaten, it can quickly lead to hypoglycemia.
Physical activity is another factor. When you exercise hard, your muscles use more sugar, and if you don't adjust your diet or medication, your blood sugar can drop significantly.
Meals also play an important role. Skipping a meal or eating less than usual can cause your blood sugar to drop to a critical level. Alcohol can also increase the risk of low blood sugar, especially if consumed without food.
How to manage low blood sugar
If you experience symptoms of low blood sugar, it is important to act quickly. Start by sitting down and stopping what you are doing. Eat or drink something that can quickly raise your blood sugar – for example, a glass of juice, a sugary soda or a few pieces of dextrose.
After about 10-15 minutes, you should measure your blood sugar again. If the level is still low, repeat the treatment. Once the blood sugar has stabilized, it may be a good idea to eat a small meal containing both protein and carbohydrates. This helps to keep blood sugar stable over a longer period.
When should you contact the doctor?
If you often experience low blood sugar, it may be a sign that your medication dose needs to be adjusted. Your doctor can help you assess whether your diabetes treatment needs to be adjusted.
It is also important to contact your doctor if you have difficulty noticing the symptoms of low blood sugar. This phenomenon is called "hypoglycemia unawareness" and can be particularly dangerous, as you risk losing consciousness without warning.
What should your relatives know?
If you have diabetes or often experience low blood sugar, it may be a good idea to inform those closest to you about how they can help you in an emergency. Explain to them how to recognize the symptoms and what to do if you become confused, lose consciousness, or cannot eat on your own.
Many people with diabetes carry a glucagon pen, which relatives can use to raise blood sugar in an emergency. It can be life-saving to have a clear plan and train your loved ones on how to react.
When low blood sugar becomes acute
In rare cases, low blood sugar can lead to seizures or loss of consciousness. If this happens, those around you should immediately call an ambulance. It is important not to try to give food or drink if the person is unconscious, as this can lead to choking.
A glucagon pen can be a lifesaver in such cases, but it requires that your loved ones know how to use it. If you have diabetes, you should therefore always inform them where you store the glucagon pen and how to use it.