What are the risk factors for hypoglycaemia?

Hypoglycaemia occurs when glucose entering the bloodstream does not match what the body is using. Insulin and some medicines used for Type 1 Diabetes or Type 2 Diabetes can lower glucose, especially if a meal is delayed, smaller than expected, or followed by unusual exercise. Alcohol can reduce the liver's release of glucose, particularly when drinking without food. Kidney or liver problems may slow medicine clearance or glucose regulation. Vomiting, reduced appetite, and changes in routine can add risk. Previous episodes may also make early warning signs harder to notice.

The risk depends on the medicine, dose, meal pattern, activity, and overall health rather than on diabetes alone.

If you use glucose-lowering treatment, ask your diabetes team when to check glucose and what action plan to follow. Carry a fast-acting sugary source if advised, keep meals and snacks consistent, and check before or after unfamiliar exercise when appropriate. Do not change insulin or other medicine doses without guidance. Keep a record of episodes, food, activity, alcohol, and readings so the cause can be reviewed. Family or colleagues should know how to recognise and respond to a severe episode.

Treat early symptoms such as shaking, sweating, hunger, palpitations, irritability, dizziness, or difficulty concentrating according to your agreed plan. Emergency help is needed if the person is confused, having a seizure, unconscious, unable to swallow safely, or not improving after treatment. Never give food or drink to someone who is unconscious or too drowsy to swallow. Repeated episodes need prompt medication review.

Which medicines can cause my glucose to fall? How should I adjust food, monitoring, or exercise around unusual activity? What should family do during a severe episode? Do my kidney or liver results affect treatment?