Endocrinology, by video or in person
Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycaemia)
The signs, the danger signs that mean hospital now, and how to see a doctor by video from anywhere in Nigeria.
Signs to look for
Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycaemia)
- Shaking, trembling or feeling jittery
- Sweating and feeling hungry
- A fast or pounding heartbeat
- Tingling lips, feeling anxious or irritable
- Blurred vision, difficulty concentrating, confusion or unusual behaviour
Hypoglycaemia, or a hypo, is when blood sugar drops too low. It mostly happens in people with diabetes who take insulin or certain tablets such as sulfonylureas (for example glibenclamide or gliclazide), especially after a missed or late meal, more exercise than usual, alcohol, or too much medicine. It needs to be treated straight away with something sugary, because a severe hypo can cause confusion, fits and loss of consciousness. Low blood sugar in someone without diabetes is uncommon and should be investigated. People who have frequent hypos may stop noticing the warning signs, which is dangerous and a reason to review their treatment.
Medically reviewed by Dr Debo Odulana, Founder and Chief Executive, Mezo. Last reviewed . This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Care is decided with you after an examination.
Symptoms
- Shaking, trembling or feeling jittery
- Sweating and feeling hungry
- A fast or pounding heartbeat
- Tingling lips, feeling anxious or irritable
- Blurred vision, difficulty concentrating, confusion or unusual behaviour
- Drowsiness, fits or passing out in a severe hypo
When to See a Doctor
Call 112 or go to a hospital now if someone with a hypo is unconscious, having a fit, too drowsy to swallow safely, or not recovering after treatment. Do not put food or drink in the mouth of someone who cannot swallow. If you treat a hypo yourself, see a doctor soon if hypos keep happening, you have had a severe one, you no longer feel the warning signs, or you have low sugar without having diabetes. An endocrinologist can review your medicines and doses.
Treatment options
- Fast-acting sugar straight away: a sugary drink, fruit juice, glucose tablets or sweets
- Rechecking blood sugar after about 15 minutes and repeating if still low
- A snack or meal with starch once recovered
- Reviewing diabetes medicine doses with a doctor after any hypo
- Regular meals and extra care with exercise, alcohol and fasting
- Glucagon for family members to give in a severe hypo, where prescribed
Common Questions
Can I fast for Ramadan or Lent if I take diabetes medicine?
Some people can, but medicines that cause hypos often need to be changed or the doses adjusted before fasting. Speak to your doctor well before you start.
Should I drive if I have hypos?
Do not drive if your sugar is low or you have just had a hypo. Check your sugar before driving if you take insulin or tablets that cause hypos, and speak to your doctor if hypos are frequent.
Can an endocrinologist help by video?
Yes. A specialist can go through your sugar readings and medicines on a call and change the plan to stop hypos, with tests arranged where needed.
Need Help?
A hormone and diabetes specialist on a video call, who reads your results, plans treatment and the tests to repeat.
See an endocrinologist by videoIf any of the danger signs on this page applies, go to the nearest hospital now instead.
Find a verified endocrinology specialist near you.
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