Hypoglycemia results when blood sugar levels drop below normal, according to reports by the Mayo Clinic. Glucose, or blood sugar, is the body's main source of energy. Typically associated with diabetes, hypoglycemia can be caused by a number of other illnesses such as alcoholism, liver damage and tumors Hypoglycemia is a condition that signals a more serious disease. Once the hypoglycemia symptoms are under control, doctors then can diagnose the underlying cause of the condition.
Confusion
As blood sugar levels drop, the person may become confused and unable to remember what she was doing. Abnormal behavior may ensue as the forgetfulness continues. People with low blood sugar often are unable to perform routine tasks such as eating or driving. A person with low blood sugar may exhibit signs of tremors and become very anxious and agitated. Insufficient blood sugar levels create problems speaking and forming the right words. Patients lose coordination and may have trouble walking. They also may exhibit signs of having difficulty concentrating.
Vision Loss
Vision becomes interrupted when blood sugar levels become too low. The patient may experience blurred or double vision. A headache is common when the eyesight is affected. According to the Macula Center, chronic hypoglycemia can lead to permanent vision loss. The retina becomes damaged and cannot be repaired.
Seizures
On rare occasion, people with low blood sugar may go into a seizure or lose consciousness. More common are symptoms that precede a fainting spell and include racing heart beat, profuse sweating and heart palpitations. Prior to fainting, the person may become warm to the touch, though no fever is present. If not treated quickly, a person undergoing a rapid drop in blood sugar who passes out may go into a coma. In rare cases, death can occur.
Other Symptoms
Prior to the blood sugar drop, a person will feel very hungry. Eating a small amount of food high in carbohydrates, like crackers, usually relieves the feelings instantly. Other symptoms of hypoglycemia include interruptions of sleep by nightmares that often wake the patient who wakes crying. During sleep, hypoglycemic sufferers also may wake with excessive sweating or find the bed drenched in the morning, reports the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse. In addition, they often wake up feeling tired, confused and irritable.
