Low blood sugar -- also called hypoglycemia -- occurs when the amount of glucose in your blood dips below 50 milligrams per deciliter, or 50mg/dL. It's an uncommon condition in adults who do not have diabetes, the Merck Manual Online Medical Library reports. Hypoglycemia occurs more frequently as a complication of diabetes medications indicated to reduce elevated blood sugar levels. If you develop signs and symptoms of low blood sugar in adults, consult your doctor.
Blurred Vision or Confusion
Sugar, also called glucose, is the primary source of energy for cells in your body. When your stores of glucose are low, your cells aren't able to perform their normal functions as efficiently as usual. The nerves in your brain also thrive on glucose and use this sugar to fuel the transmission of nerve signals throughout your body. If you have low blood sugar levels, your neurons may have difficulty communicating with the rest of your body, which may lead to symptoms of confusion or unusual behavior. You may also notice that your vision becomes blurry, doubled or fuzzy when your glucose levels are low. Visual disturbances may make it harder for you to move about normally without assistance. Severely low blood sugar may also cause you to lose consciousness. If any of these symptoms of low blood sugar in adults persists or interferes with your ability to function normally, seek additional care from your doctor.
Shakiness or Seizure
You may feel unusually shaky or experience involuntary body spasms as a symptom of low blood sugar. Glucose is responsible for fueling your voluntary muscle contractions when you engage your muscles during physical activities, such as standing or walking. If your body doesn't have enough sugar, your muscles contract and relax involuntarily, leading to clumsy or jerky body movement, the American Diabetes Association says. Infrequently, low blood sugar levels may induce a seizure in adults with this condition. A seizure may cause you to black out, twitch involuntarily or feel confused. Consult your physician if any of these symptoms arise suddenly or don't subside within a few days.
Headache, Dizziness or Hunger
You may develop a headache as a symptom of low blood sugar. Headache pain may be disruptive or may be accompanied by sensations of dizziness. During episodes of dizziness, remain seated until this sensation passes in order to prevent injury from falling down. You may also constantly feel hungry -- even shortly after eating -- because your body is craving glucose.
Pale Skin or Sweating
Pale skin and excessive sweating are signs of low blood glucose in adults. Without sufficient glucose reserves, your body has difficulty producing red blood cells -- the immune cell that gives your skin its healthy glow. Excessive sweating may also occur during the night. Typically, these signs of low blood sugar resolve once your blood sugar levels return to normal. Contact your physician if you continue to experience excessive sweating or if your skin appears unusually pale. These low blood sugar signs may also be caused by alternate health conditions, such as iron deficiency.
