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Symptoms
By Mayo Clinic staffYour brain needs a steady supply of sugar (glucose), for it neither stores nor manufactures its own energy supply. If glucose levels become too low, as occurs with hypoglycemia, it can have these effects on your brain:
- Confusion, abnormal behavior or both, such as the inability to complete routine tasks
- Visual disturbances, such as double vision and blurred vision
- Seizures, though uncommon
- Loss of consciousness, though uncommon
Hypoglycemia may also cause these other signs and symptoms:
- Heart palpitations
- Tremor
- Anxiety
- Sweating
- Hunger
These signs and symptoms aren't specific to hypoglycemia. There may be other causes. Measurement of your blood sugar level at the time of these signs and symptoms is the only way to know for sure that hypoglycemia is the cause.
When to see a doctor
If you have what appear to be symptoms of hypoglycemia, see your doctor. Hypoglycemia, if confirmed, can be an indication of any number of illnesses, all of which can be serious. By seeing your doctor, you can begin the process of having the underlying illness identified and treated.
If you have diabetes and early signs of hypoglycemia don't improve with eating or taking glucose tablets, seek immediate help. Also, seek emergency help if someone you know who has diabetes or a history of recurring hypoglycemia loses consciousness.
- Hypoglycemia. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. http://diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/dm/pubs/hypoglycemia/index.htm. Accessed Nov. 7, 2009.
- Cryer PE. Glucose homeostasis and hypoglycemia. In: Kronenberg HM, et al. Williams Textbook of Endocrinology. 11th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/169663869-4/0/1555/204.html?tocnode=54108916&fromURL=204.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-2911-3..50035-2_3179. Accessed Nov. 7, 2009.
- Inzucchi SE, et al. Type 1 diabetes mellitus. In: Goldman L, et al., eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/169663869-5/913633383/1492/899.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-2805-5..50252-4--cesec70_11022. Accessed Nov. 7, 2009.
- Sperling MA. Hypoglycemia. In: Kliegman RM, et al. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/169663869-5/913633383/1608/268.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-2450-7..50094-3_2388. Accessed Nov. 7, 2009.
- Cryer PE, et al. Evaluation and management of adult hypoglycemic disorders: An Endocrine Society clinical practice guideline. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. 2009;94:709.
- Service JF (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Nov. 16, 2009.
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