How common is nausea in hypoglycaemia?

Hypoglycaemia means that blood glucose has fallen below the level your body needs. The brain and other tissues respond by releasing stress hormones, which can produce physical symptoms such as shaking, a fast heartbeat, sweating, irritability, light-headedness and nausea. Nausea may occur with or without vomiting, and symptoms can vary from one episode to another.

Nausea on its own does not identify the cause. It can also result from a stomach illness, medicines, migraine, dehydration or another health problem. If you have diabetes or take medicine that can lower blood glucose, checking your glucose when symptoms begin can help clarify whether a low is contributing.

If you are awake and able to swallow, check your blood glucose if possible and follow the hypo plan provided by your clinician. This usually involves taking a fast-acting source of glucose, then rechecking as advised and eating a longer-lasting carbohydrate snack or meal when appropriate. Sit down while symptoms settle, and avoid driving or using machinery until you feel well and your glucose is back in your target range.

If nausea makes it difficult to swallow, do not force food or drink. Tell someone nearby what is happening and use the emergency instructions in your diabetes care plan.

Get urgent medical help if the person becomes confused, has a seizure, loses consciousness, cannot swallow safely, or does not improve after the recommended treatment. Do not give food or drink to someone who is unconscious or having a seizure; place them on their side if safe and follow local emergency guidance.

Arrange a clinical review if nausea and suspected low glucose episodes keep recurring, happen without an obvious reason, occur after a change in diabetes medicine, or are accompanied by repeated vomiting. Your clinician may review medicines, meals, alcohol intake, physical activity and glucose readings.

Ask which symptoms should prompt a glucose check, what treatment to keep available, and what to do if nausea prevents swallowing. You can also ask whether your medicines, meal timing or activity pattern could be contributing to repeated episodes, and when your treatment plan should be reviewed.