Low blood sugar
When your blood sugar drops too low, it's called hypoglycemia.
You might get low blood sugar if you:
- Skip a meal or eat too little food
- Take too much insulin and/or more diabetes pills than prescribed
- Are more active than usual
When your blood sugar gets too low, you may feel:
- Weak or tired
- Hungry
- Dizzy or shaky
- Nervous or upset
- Sweaty
- Like your heart is beating too fast
- Like your vision is blurry
If your blood sugar gets too low, ask:
- Did I skip a meal or snack?
- Was I more physically active than usual?
- Did I take too much insulin or too many diabetes pills?
What to do about low blood sugar
Ask your diabetes care team what low blood sugar is for you. For most people, it is 70 mg/dL or lower. Check your blood sugar right away if you have any symptoms of low blood sugar. If your blood sugar is low, or if you can’t check right away, eat or drink a high-sugar food such as:
- 4 ounces (½ cup) of regular fruit juice (like orange, apple, or grape juice)
- 4 ounces (½ cup) of regular soda pop (not diet)
- 3 to 4 sugar tablets
- 3 to 5 hard candies that you can chew quickly (such as mints)
Wait 15 minutes and then check your blood sugar again. If it’s still low, treat again.
If you have low blood sugar often, check with your diabetes care team. Your diabetes care plan may need to be adjusted.
Some people may not feel any signs or symptoms of low blood sugar before they have a problem. This is another reason that frequent blood sugar checking is important.
Expert advice on low blood sugar
- Expert advice from Anne Daly, RD, MS, CDE, Registered Dietitian, Certified Diabetes Educator
(Under 1 min)
Anne Daly tells how to manage low blood sugar.
Play Video - Expert advice from Hope Warshaw, RD, MMSc, CDE, Registered Dietitian, Certified Diabetes Educator (Under 1 min)
Hope Warshaw describes the importance of wearing a medical ID bracelet.
Play Video
Untreated low blood sugar can become severe and cause you to pass out
Ask your diabetes care team to prescribe a glucagon emergency kit if you may be at risk for low blood sugar. Keep the kit handy, and be sure that your loved ones and co-workers know how to use it in an emergency. Learn more about Novo Nordisk glucagon emergency kit.
It's a good idea to wear a medical ID bracelet or carry a card that explains that you have diabetes and what help you might need in an emergency. Several organizations sell identification items (bracelets, necklaces, or key rings) inscribed with your medical condition and other important information. You can ask your diabetes care team for help getting these items.
