Type 2 diabetes and heart palpitations

Palpitations may feel like pounding, fluttering, racing or skipped beats. Low glucose can trigger adrenaline symptoms such as sweating, shaking, hunger and a fast heartbeat; read Hypoglycaemia for more detail. High glucose can contribute to thirst and fluid loss, while caffeine, fever, anxiety, thyroid problems and heart rhythm disorders can also cause palpitations.

A palpitation does not identify one cause by itself. Note when it starts, how long it lasts, what you were doing, your glucose reading if available, and any dizziness or chest discomfort.

Sit down, avoid driving, and check glucose if you have a meter and can do so safely. Follow your personalised low-glucose plan; do not take extra diabetes medicine to chase a single reading. Drink fluids if you have been losing fluid and avoid stimulants until the episode is understood. Arrange a clinical review if episodes recur, occur at rest, or began after a medicine change.

Call emergency services for palpitations with chest pain, severe breathlessness, fainting, new confusion, or marked weakness. Urgent assessment is also needed for a sustained racing heartbeat, repeated episodes with dizziness, or symptoms of a stroke such as facial drooping, arm weakness or speech difficulty. See Stroke for related warning signs.

Ask whether your medicines can lower glucose or affect heart rate, whether you need an ECG, how to record episodes, and what glucose level should prompt your personal action plan. Mention kidney problems, weight changes and any history of Peripheral Arterial Disease or Obesity.