low sugar self care basics

Overview

Low blood sugar, also called hypoglycaemia, means the level of glucose (sugar) in your blood has fallen below the normal range. Glucose is your body’s main fuel. When it drops too low, your body and brain do not have enough energy to work properly. You can feel shaky, tired, confused, or sweaty. Most of the time, treating it quickly with a fast-acting sugar can bring your level back to normal.

Yes, it is common in people with diabetes, especially those who take insulin or certain diabetes medicines. It is less common in people without diabetes, but it can still happen.

Anyone can get low blood sugar. It is most common in people with diabetes. Older adults and people who skip meals, exercise heavily, or drink alcohol on an empty stomach are also at higher risk.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Shakiness or trembling
• Sweating and pale skin
• Feeling hungry
• Dizziness or light-headedness
• Fast or pounding heartbeat
• Confusion or trouble concentrating
• Headache
• Feeling irritable or anxious

Symptoms in children

• Mood changes or crying
• Sleepiness or lethargy
• Pale skin
• Clumsiness or trouble walking
• A blank stare or not responding
• Complaining of feeling hungry or shaky

Symptoms in older adults

• Confusion or slurred speech
• Dizziness and a greater risk of falls
• Unsteady walking
• Unusual behaviour or irritability
• Sleepiness during the day
• Not acting like themselves

Causes

Main causes

• Taking too much diabetes medication
• Skipping or delaying meals
• Eating too little carbohydrate
• Drinking alcohol without food
• Doing more physical activity than usual
• Long gaps between meals

Risk factors

• Having diabetes
• Being older
• Having kidney disease
• Taking certain diabetes medicines
• Drinking alcohol
• Having had low blood sugar before

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have severe symptoms, such as confusion or passing out, call your local emergency number.
• If you have symptoms of low blood sugar and do not have diabetes, contact your doctor for advice soon.
• If your symptoms continue after treating low blood sugar, get medical help the same day.

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you have frequent episodes of low blood sugar
• If your blood sugar readings are often lower than your target
• If you need help adjusting your diabetes medication
• If you are worried about symptoms and want to understand what is normal

Diagnosis

A doctor will ask you about your symptoms, when they happen, and what makes them better. They may check your blood sugar with a small finger-prick test and, if needed, order other tests to look for the cause.

Tests that may be done

• Blood sugar test (finger-prick test)
• HbA1c test to check your average blood sugar over the last three months
• Continuous glucose monitoring (a small sensor worn on the skin)
• A fasting test where you have your blood sugar checked after a period without food, if needed

What to expect at your appointment

Your doctor will explain what your numbers mean and review your medicines, eating patterns, and activity. You may be asked to keep a diary of your symptoms and any blood sugar readings will help guide your treatment.

Treatment

The first step is to bring your blood sugar back up quickly with fast-acting sugar. After that, the goal is to prevent another low by making small changes to your day-to-day habits and, if needed, to your medical plan.

Self-care at home

• Always carry a source of fast-acting sugar, such as fruit juice, regular soda, sweets, or sugar tablets.
• If you have diabetes, check your blood sugar as your care team advises.
• Eat regular meals and balanced snacks so your blood sugar stays steady.
• Have a small snack before starting exercise if you are likely to go low.
• Tell family, friends, and co-workers how they can help you if you have a severe low.

Medical treatments

If you have diabetes, your doctor may adjust your diabetes medication to reduce the chance of lows. If you do not have diabetes, your doctor will investigate the cause and recommend a personal treatment plan. In some circumstances, you may be prescribed an emergency kit to use if you become too confused or unable to eat or drink. Treatment is always tailored to you and monitored by a qualified healthcare professional.

Living with this condition

Learn your early warning signs and act as soon as you notice them. Keep a fast-acting sugar with you at home, at work, and while travelling. A medical alert bracelet or necklace can be helpful if you have repeated episodes. Make sure the people around you know what to do if you need help.

Lifestyle tips

• Eat meals at regular times and do not skip meals.
• Include carbohydrates like bread, rice, or fruit in your meals.
• Add protein and fibre to help keep blood sugar stable.
• Avoid drinking alcohol on an empty stomach.
• Talk to your doctor before changing how much or when you exercise.

Diet and exercise

Choose a balanced diet with whole grains, vegetables, lean protein, and healthy fats. Eat at a regular rhythm. If you exercise, carry a snack and check your blood sugar if you have diabetes. Your healthcare team can help you plan meals and exercise to fit your life.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

It is normal to feel anxious about low blood sugar, especially if you have had a scary episode. Fear of lows can affect sleep, social life, and how you feel about your health. Talk to your doctor if worry is interfering with your life — you do not have to manage this alone.

Prevention

Many episodes of low blood sugar can be prevented. Know your warning signs, plan regular meals, monitor your glucose as recommended, and work with your doctor to adjust your medication if you get lows often.

Complications

If left untreated

• Severe confusion and inability to care for yourself
• Seizures
• Unconsciousness or coma
• Falls or accidents caused by dizziness

Long-term outlook

With the right self-care and support, most people manage low blood sugar very well. Acting quickly, staying aware, and working with your healthcare team can help you live an active and full life.

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