Does hypoglycaemia cause nausea?

Falling glucose activates the body's stress response. That response can upset the stomach and create a sick or queasy feeling. You may also feel hungry, weak, anxious, light-headed or unable to concentrate. Nausea can make it harder to take glucose, which is why swallowing ability matters.

Nausea also commonly occurs with stomach infections, migraine, medicines, pregnancy and other conditions. The symptom alone cannot identify hypoglycaemia. A glucose reading and the wider pattern provide more useful information.

If you are awake and can swallow safely, check glucose if possible and follow your treatment plan. Take the recommended quick-acting glucose in the form advised by your clinician. Sit or lie somewhere safe, avoid driving, and reassess as directed.

If vomiting prevents you from keeping treatment down, contact urgent medical services for advice. Once symptoms settle, follow your plan for a meal or snack and record the episode, including medicines, meals and activity.

Get emergency help for unconsciousness, seizure, severe confusion, inability to swallow, repeated vomiting, chest pain, severe abdominal pain or breathing difficulty. Do not give anything by mouth to someone who is drowsy or unconscious.

Seek prompt review when nausea keeps returning, does not settle after glucose treatment, or occurs without a clear trigger. Medical advice is also appropriate if low readings follow a change in diabetes medicine.

Ask which glucose treatment is suitable when you feel sick, what to do if you vomit, how illness affects your diabetes plan, and whether your medicines may contribute. Ask when nausea needs assessment for another cause.