Understanding Severe Hypoglycemia Symptoms and Treatments

Severe hypoglycemia is a critical condition characterized by dangerously low blood sugar levels, which can lead to serious complications and requires immediate medical attention.
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Low Blood Sugar Risks | Hypoglycemia Prevention | First Aid Procedures | Dangerous Low Blood Sugar | Hypoglycemia Emergency | Glucose Level Crisis
Prepared by Lee Cheng, reviewed by Jane Cox

Severe Hypoglycemia FAQ


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What happens if your blood sugar is too low?

The device can alert you when your blood sugar is too low. If you have diabetes, episodes of low blood sugar are uncomfortable and can be frightening. Fear of hypoglycemia can cause you to take less insulin to ensure that your blood sugar level doesn't go too low. This can lead to uncontrolled diabetes.

What is severe hypoglycemia?

Severe hypoglycemia is classed as a diabetic emergency and is a complication that can occur in people with diabetes that take insulin and certain anti-diabetic tablets. Severe hypoglycemia in people with diabetes will usually only occur in people on blood glucose lowering medication such as insulin, sulfonylureas or prandial glucose regulators.

Is hypoglycemia dangerous?

Hypoglycemia is a potentially dangerous medical condition that occurs when your blood glucose (sugar) levels are too low. A blood glucose level of less than 70 mg/dl is considered low, or hypoglycemic. If hypoglycemia is not treated, the plummeting blood sugar levels may lead to severe symptoms requiring immediate medical attention.

What is a low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia)?

Low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia or a hypo) is usually where your blood sugar (glucose) is below 4mmol/L. It needs to be treated quickly to stop it getting worse, but you can usually treat it yourself. You can also have blood sugar that's too high. This is called high blood sugar (hyperglycaemia).

What are the symptoms of severe hypoglycemia?

Patients with severe hypoglycemia may experience unconsciousness or seizures due to low blood sugar. Severe hypoglycemia can be dangerous and must be treated promptly. Symptoms of hypoglycemia include: Feeling shaky, sweaty, weak, headache, confusion, feeling like you may pass out, and feeling the heart racing.

How does hypoglycaemia affect a person?

In more severe cases, you may also feel confused and have difficulty concentrating. In very severe cases, a person experiencing hypoglycaemia can lose consciousness. It’s also possible for hypoglycaemia to occur during sleep, which can cause excess sweating, disturbed sleep, and feeling tired and confused upon waking.

What does hypoglycemia mean?

Hypoglycemia is a condition in which your blood sugar (glucose) level is lower than the standard range. Glucose is your body's main energy source. Hypoglycemia is often related to diabetes treatment. But other drugs and a variety of conditions — many rare — can cause low blood sugar in people who don't have diabetes.

Severe Hypoglycemia References

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