Does hypoglycaemia cause seizure?

The brain depends on glucose to work. As glucose falls, a person may first become sweaty, shaky, confused, unusually tired, or difficult to wake. A seizure can happen when the brain is affected more severely. Low blood sugar can occur in people using insulin or certain diabetes medicines, after missed meals, or during illness, but the cause needs checking.

Do not put food, drink, tablets, or fingers in the mouth of someone who is having a seizure or is not fully awake. Move nearby objects away, cushion the head, and place the person on their side after the movements stop if you can do so safely. Use prescribed emergency treatment only if you have been trained. Check glucose when safe and follow the person’s diabetes plan once they are awake and able to swallow.

Call emergency services for a first seizure, a seizure lasting longer than expected, repeated seizures, breathing difficulty, injury, pregnancy, or failure to regain awareness. Urgent assessment is also needed when the cause of low glucose is unclear or symptoms return after initial treatment. Do not drive the person yourself if they remain confused or drowsy.

Ask what may have lowered the glucose, whether medicines or meal timing need review, how to recognise early warning signs, and whether your household should learn the emergency plan.