A low blood sugar level, also called hypoglycaemia or a "hypo", is where the level of sugar (glucose) in your blood drops too low. It mainly affects people with diabetes, especially if they take insulin. A low blood sugar level can be dangerous if it's not treated quickly, but you can usually treat it easily
yourself. A low blood sugar level can affect everyone differently. You'll learn how it makes you feel, although your symptoms may change over time. Early signs of a low blood sugar level include:
If a low blood sugar level is not treated, you may get other symptoms, such as:
A low blood sugar level, or hypo, can also happen while you're sleeping. This may cause you to wake up during the night or cause headaches, tiredness or damp sheets (from sweat) in the morning. How to treat a low blood sugar level yourselfFollow these steps if your blood sugar level is less than 4mmol/L or you have hypo symptoms:
You do not usually need to get medical help once you're feeling better if you only have a few hypos. But tell your diabetes team if you keep having hypos or if you stop having symptoms when your blood sugar level is low. How to treat someone who's unconscious or very sleepy (drowsy)Follow these steps:
They may need to go to hospital if they're being sick (vomiting), or their blood sugar level drops again. Tell your diabetes care team if you ever have a severe hypo that caused you to lose consciousness. How to treat someone who's having a seizure or fitFollow these steps if someone has a seizure or fit caused by a low blood sugar level:
Tell your diabetes care team if you ever have a severe hypo that caused you to have a seizure or fit. What causes a low blood sugar levelIn people with diabetes, the main causes of a low blood sugar level are:
Sometimes there's no obvious reason why a low blood sugar level happens. Very occasionally, it can happen in people who do not have diabetes. Preventing a low blood sugar levelIf you have diabetes, you can reduce your chance of getting a low blood sugar level if you:
If you keep getting a low blood sugar level, talk to your diabetes care team about things you can do to help prevent it. A low blood sugar level without diabetesA low blood sugar level is uncommon in people who do not have diabetes. Possible causes include:
See a GP if you think you keep getting symptoms of a low blood sugar level. They can arrange some simple tests to check if your blood sugar level is low and try to find out what's causing it. A low blood sugar level and drivingYou may still be allowed to drive if you have diabetes or you're at risk of a low blood sugar level for another reason, but you'll need to do things to reduce the chance of this happening while you're driving. You also need to tell the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) and your car insurance company about your condition. For more information, see:
Page last reviewed: 24 September 2020 How do I raise my blood sugar if it's too low?Your doctor may tell you to have really sugary foods or drinks (like regular soda, orange juice, or cake frosting) or might give you glucose tablets or gel to take — all of these can help to raise your blood sugar level fast, which is what you need to do when it's low. Wait about 10 minutes to let the sugar work.
What can I eat to raise my sugar level?What foods can help raise blood sugar fast?. a piece of fruit, like a banana, apple, or orange.. 2 tablespoons of raisins.. 15 grapes.. 1/2 cup apple, orange, pineapple, or grapefruit juice.. 1/2 cup regular soda (not sugar-free). 1 cup fat-free milk.. 1 tablespoon honey or jelly.. 15 Skittles.. What should I eat if my blood sugar doesn't drop?eating foods rich in fiber and healthy carbohydrates — eating fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help keep your blood glucose levels steady.
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