What are the symptoms of hypoglycaemia?
Symptoms of hypoglycaemia can vary from person to person, but they often include:
- Feeling shaky or trembly
- Feeling hungry
- Feeling dizzy or light-headed
- Having a fast heartbeat
- Feeling tired or weak
- Being irritable or anxious
- Having trouble concentrating
- Experiencing sweating
- In severe cases, confusion or loss of consciousness
What causes hypoglycaemia?
Hypoglycaemia can happen for several reasons, including:
- Not eating enough food
- Skipping meals
- Taking too much insulin or diabetes medication
- Engaging in strenuous exercise without sufficient food
- Drinking alcohol, particularly on an empty stomach
How common is hypoglycaemia?
Hypoglycaemia is quite common, especially for people with diabetes who take insulin or other blood sugar-lowering medications. It can also happen in anyone, particularly if they have not eaten for a while or have taken certain medications.
Who is more likely to get hypoglycaemia?
Some people are at a higher risk of experiencing hypoglycaemia, including:
- People with diabetes
- Those taking insulin or certain diabetes medications
- Individuals who skip meals or eat irregularly
- Athletes or people who exercise strenuously
- People who drink alcohol without eating
How can I treat hypoglycaemia?
If you experience hypoglycaemia, you can treat it by:
- Eating or drinking something that contains sugar, such as fruit juice or a sugary snack
- Using glucose tablets, which can quickly raise blood sugar levels
- Following up with a small meal or snack to help keep your blood sugar stable
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How to prevent hypoglycaemia?
You can help prevent hypoglycaemia by:
- Eating regular meals and snacks
- Always carrying a quick source of sugar with you
- Monitoring your blood sugar levels if you have diabetes
- Avoiding excessive alcohol consumption
- Adjusting your medication with the help of a healthcare provider
Final thoughts
Hypoglycaemia can be managed with awareness and appropriate treatment. If you are concerned about your symptoms, it’s best to speak to your GP or healthcare provider.
