Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar): Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
6
min read
Apr 23, 2025
Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) can affect both diabetics and non-diabetics, with causes ranging from medication imbalances to poor diet and stress. Recognizing symptoms early, such as shakiness, dizziness, and sweating, and knowing how to treat and prevent low blood sugar episodes can help maintain overall health and prevent complications.
What is Low Blood Sugar and How to Prevent It
Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, happens when the glucose in your bloodstream drops too low to provide enough energy for your body’s cells. While many people associate low blood sugar with diabetes, it's something that can happen to anyone, even those without the condition. The key is recognizing the symptoms early and knowing how to treat it, which can make a big difference in avoiding serious health issues.
In this article, we’ll dive into what causes low blood sugar, how to spot the symptoms, and what you can do to treat and prevent it. We’ll also address common questions like, _Can low blood sugar cause high blood pressure?_ and _What should you do if you experience low blood sugar?_
What Causes Hypoglycemia?
Low blood sugar occurs when the amount of glucose in your bloodstream falls below normal levels. There are several reasons why this happens, and it can affect people with diabetes as well as those who don’t have the condition. Let’s look at some of the most common causes.
Low Blood Sugar Causes for People with Diabetes
For people with diabetes, hypoglycemia usually happens when there's an imbalance between insulin or medication, food intake, and physical activity. Here are some common reasons why people with diabetes experience low blood sugar:
Too Much Insulin or Medication: If you take too much insulin or other diabetes medications, your blood sugar can drop too low. These medications help your body use glucose more effectively, but if you take too much and don’t balance it with food, it can cause hypoglycemia.
Skipping Meals or Eating Too Little: Skipping meals or eating too little can lead to a drop in blood sugar. Your body needs a constant supply of glucose for energy, and when that’s missing, it can result in hypoglycemia.
Increased Physical Activity: Exercise uses up glucose for energy, which means if you’re active but don’t eat enough beforehand or adjust your insulin, it can cause your blood sugar to dip too low.
Low Blood Sugar Causes for People without Diabetes
While hypoglycemia is most commonly linked to diabetes, it can also happen to people who don’t have the condition. Some common causes for low blood sugar in non-diabetics include:
Poor Diet or Skipping Meals: Not eating enough or skipping meals can cause your blood sugar to fall. A lack of regular, balanced meals or too many processed, sugary foods can lead to fluctuations in your blood sugar.
Drinking Alcohol: Alcohol can cause low blood sugar, especially if you drink on an empty stomach. Alcohol affects your liver’s ability to release glucose, which can cause your blood sugar to drop.
Hormonal Imbalances: Conditions like adrenal insufficiency or other hormonal disorders can lead to low blood sugar. Hormones produced by your adrenal glands play a role in regulating glucose, and when they're out of balance, your blood sugar may drop.
Severe Illness or Infection: When you're sick or have an infection, your body may have trouble regulating glucose. Stress from the illness or infection can also impact your blood sugar, potentially leading to hypoglycemia.
Symptoms of Hypoglycemia
If your blood sugar drops too low, your body sends out warning signs. These symptoms can range from mild to severe, and catching them early can help prevent a more serious situation. Here are the common signs to watch for:
Early Symptoms
Shakiness or Tremors: One of the first signs of low blood sugar is feeling shaky or having tremors in your hands. This happens because your body releases adrenaline in response to the drop in blood sugar.
Sweating: Excessive sweating, especially when you’re not exerting yourself physically, is another classic sign of low blood sugar. This is your body’s way of reacting to the drop in glucose levels.
Dizziness or Lightheadedness: Low blood sugar can make you feel dizzy or lightheaded, and you might experience a general weakness or fatigue. This happens because your brain isn't getting the energy it needs from glucose.
Irritability or Mood Changes: When blood sugar drops, it can affect your mood. You might feel anxious, irritable, or confused, which is a sign that your brain isn’t getting the fuel it needs.
Severe Symptoms
If low blood sugar isn't treated and continues to drop, the symptoms can become more severe:
Confusion or Difficulty Concentrating: When blood sugar gets very low, it can lead to confusion, making it hard to focus or think clearly. You may feel disoriented or even forget what you were doing.
Loss of Coordination: Severe hypoglycemia can make it difficult to move, causing uncoordinated movements or slurred speech. You might struggle to walk or do basic tasks.
Seizures or Unconsciousness: If left untreated, hypoglycemia can lead to seizures or even cause someone to lose consciousness. If this happens, immediate medical help is needed.
Can Low Blood Sugar Cause High Blood Pressure?
Yes, low blood sugar can cause a temporary increase in blood pressure. When your blood sugar drops, the body releases stress hormones like adrenaline to try to raise glucose levels. These hormones also constrict blood vessels, which can cause an increase in blood pressure. It’s important to manage both blood sugar and blood pressure to keep them in a healthy range.
Treatment of Hypoglycemia
The good news is that hypoglycemia is treatable, especially if you catch it early. How you treat it depends on the severity of your symptoms, but here are general guidelines for managing low blood sugar:
Treatment for Mild to Moderate Hypoglycemia
If you experience symptoms like shaking, sweating, or dizziness, you can usually treat mild hypoglycemia on your own. Here’s what you can do:
Consume Quick-Acting Carbohydrates: The best way to raise your blood sugar quickly is by consuming something that’s easy to digest and contains fast-acting carbohydrates. This could include:
15 grams of glucose (glucose tablets or gel)
A small glass of juice (about 4 ounces)
A regular (not diet) soda (about 4 ounces)
A tablespoon of honey or sugar
Wait 15 Minutes and check your blood sugars: After consuming carbohydrates, wait for about 15 minutes and then check your blood sugar again. If it’s still low or you’re still feeling symptoms, repeat the treatment.
Treatment for Severe Hypoglycemia
If someone is experiencing severe hypoglycemia—such as confusion, loss of consciousness, or seizures—you need to act quickly:
Use Glucagon (If Available): If you have a glucagon injection kit and know how to use it, this can help raise blood sugar in an emergency situation. Glucagon triggers your liver to release stored glucose into the bloodstream.
Call for Help: If the person is unconscious or unable to swallow, don’t hesitate to call emergency services. Medical professionals may administer an intravenous (IV) glucose solution to quickly bring blood sugar back up.
Preventing Hypoglycemia
Prevention is always better than treatment. Here are some tips to help avoid low blood sugar episodes:
Eat Regularly: Make sure to eat regular meals and snacks throughout the day. Having a balanced diet with carbohydrates, proteins, and fats can help maintain steady blood sugar levels.
Monitor Blood Sugar Levels: If you have diabetes, checking your blood sugar regularly will help you stay on top of your levels. Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) can give you a clearer picture of how your body is responding to changes in insulin and food.
Adjust Insulin or Medication: If you’re on insulin or other medications, it’s important to adjust your dose as needed, especially when there are changes in your activity level or diet. Always consult your heal care provider before making adjustments to your medication plan.
Be Careful with Alcohol: If you drink alcohol, make sure to do so in moderation and always with food. Drinking alcohol on an empty stomach can cause your blood sugar to drop.
When to Seek Medical Help
If you experience frequent low blood sugar episodes or if symptoms are severe, it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider. Regular hypoglycemia may be a sign that your medication or diet needs adjustment. In the case of extreme symptoms, like unconsciousness or seizures, call emergency services immediately.
Final Thoughts
Hypoglycemia is a condition that’s often linked to diabetes, but it can affect anyone. Whether it’s caused by diet, exercise, medications, or other factors, understanding the causes and recognizing the symptoms can help prevent serious complications. With the right knowledge and a few simple steps, low blood sugar is manageable, and you can lead a healthy life.
