Hypoglycemia is a condition in which the levels of glucose in the bloodstream drop to abnormally low levels. Commonly caused by diabetes, hypoglycemia can also occur in people who don't have diabetes due to fasting, certain medications or other underlying medical conditions. Symptoms of hypoglycemia may range in intensity and can become severe or life-threatening if left untreated. If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your doctor for evaluation and treatment advice.
Anxiety-like Symptoms
According to the Merck Manuals Online Medical Library, when blood sugar drops to abnormally low levels, the body attempts to stimulate the release of sugar by releasing epinephrine from the adrenal glands. Epinephrine subsequently causes symptoms that resemble anxiety. Symptoms such as nervousness, shaking or tremor, feelings of faintness or lightheadedness, irritability, heart palpitations or a pounding heart, sweating and feelings of hunger are usually the first to appear and may come on gradually or acutely. Symptoms may range in severity from mild to severe. They can quickly worsen and progress to panic if blood sugar drops to extremely low levels.
Brain-related Symptoms
When blood sugar levels get extremely low, your brain may be deprived of the energy it needs to carry out its normal functions. This can cause a number of symptoms, including sleepiness, dizziness, extreme fatigue and muscle weakness, slurred speech or difficulties speaking, problems concentrating, headaches and confusion, according to Merck. Insufficient sugar supply to the brain can also result in blurred or double vision. Some people develop other unusual motor behavior, such as clumsiness or jerky body movements that can be mistaken for drunkenness.
Sleep-related Symptoms
According to the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse, hypoglycemia can occur while you sleep. When it does, you may have nightmares or cry out during the night, or you may experience poor sleep that leaves you feeling tired, irritable and confused upon waking. Hypoglycemia can cause sweating, so you may also wake to find that your bed sheets or pajamas are wet or damp.
Uncommon Symptoms
In rare and serious cases, hypoglycemia can cause severe symptoms that require immediate medical attention. According to the Mayo Clinic, hypoglycemia that's not treated promptly can deprive the brain to such an extent that you lose consciousness. Merck also advises that people with long-standing diabetes can sometimes have diminished ability to detect the typical warning signs of hypoglycemia, so they may faint or go into a coma suddenly. Seizures are another symptom that can occur if glucose deprivation interrupts the normal electrical and nerve functioning in the brain. If left untreated, prolonged hypoglycemia can cause permanent brain damage or death.
