Low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, is a serious condition that can occur if you have diabetes. The signs of hypoglycemia vary from person to person, and it's important to get to know your own body and how it reacts to low blood sugar. The more you and those close to you know about how low blood sugar affects you, the sooner you're able to take the steps necessary to get your blood sugar back up and avoid any serious complications.
Confusion
As levels of blood sugar drop, your brain can't function as fast or as clearly. You can easily become confused, the Mayo Clinic says. This confusion can result in an increase in anger or frustration because other people don't understand you and you aren't able to understand them. You may become stuck on a task or a thought, and you may even display uncharacteristic outburst of anger.
Poor Motor Coordiantion
Low blood sugar levels make it hard to maintain regular motor coordination, the Mayo Clinic adds. As your blood sugar levels decrease, you're unable to safely complete normal functions such as driving a car. You may notice that it's hard for you to keep your balance.
Dizzy and Weak
Low blood sugar can make you feel dizzy and weak, the Mayo Clinic says. You may not be able to stand up without feeling faint. You can feel as though your strength has been depleted and your arms or legs may feel heavy.
Sweating
Low blood sugar can cause you to become sweaty, even if you're inactive. If you're sleeping, you may wake up to find your pajamas and sheets damp from the increased amounts of sweat. Also, your skin can feel cold or clammy.
Increased Hunger
Low blood sugar can make you feel hungry. When your blood sugar begins dropping, you may find yourself craving food to reduce your hunger. If your blood sugar level continues to drop, your hunger is likely to be forgotten as your confusion increases.
Trouble Speaking
Trouble forming words and statements that make sense can occur with low blood sugar levels. As your brain decreases in functioning, so does your ability to communicate effectively.
Anxiety
Anxiety can result from low blood sugar. People may display anxiety-related symptoms such as heart palpitations, sweating and nervousness. Low blood sugar can even cause slight paranoia; you may begin to act as though someone doesn't like you or something bad is going to happen.
Vision Problems
Vision problems are another result of low blood sugar levels, the Mayo Clinic says. You may experience blurred or double vision as your blood sugar levels drop.
Seizures
Low blood sugar at any level can be unsafe, but as your blood sugar levels drop even further, you can have seizures. Although they are more rare, seizures can be dangerous -- especially if you are alone.
Unconsciousness
Loss of consciousness can occur when your blood sugar levels dip to extremely low levels. This can be extremely serious because you are no longer able to help yourself and require others to either give you a glucose injection and get you to the hospital. According to the American Diabetic Association, hypoglycemia unawareness can occur when you lose consciousness without being aware that your blood sugar levels were low. This is more likely to occur in people who keep tight control of their blood sugar, take certain high blood pressure medications or have nerve damage.
