What are the first signs of hypoglycaemia?

Hypoglycaemia means blood glucose has fallen too low for the brain and body to work normally. Early warning signs often come from the body's stress response: sweating, trembling, a fast heartbeat, hunger, anxiety, or irritability. As glucose falls further, dizziness, nausea, blurred vision, weakness, headache, unusual behaviour, and difficulty concentrating may appear. Severe episodes can lead to seizures or loss of consciousness. Hypoglycaemia is more common in people using insulin or certain diabetes medicines, but a new episode still needs its cause checked.

Stop driving or hazardous activity and sit somewhere safe. If you are awake and able to swallow, use the fast-acting glucose treatment recommended in your diabetes plan, then recheck as instructed. Once symptoms improve, follow your plan for the next meal or snack. Do not give food or drink to someone who is drowsy, confused, having a seizure, or unable to swallow. People with diabetes can benefit from a Diabetes Education Programme that teaches prevention, monitoring, and emergency action.

Call emergency services if the person loses consciousness, has a seizure, cannot swallow safely, remains confused, or does not improve after the agreed treatment. Seek medical review after a first episode, repeated episodes, or symptoms without diabetes, because medicines, missed meals, alcohol, illness, and other conditions can contribute.

Ask what glucose level and symptoms should trigger action, how to adjust meals or medicines safely, whether you need a written hypo plan, and when another person should use emergency treatment. Discuss whether Type 1 Diabetes or Type 2 Diabetes care needs updating.