What does dizziness feel like with hypoglycaemia?

When blood glucose falls, the body releases stress hormones and the brain may not receive enough fuel for normal function. You might feel lightheaded, unsteady, suddenly hungry, irritable, anxious, tired or unable to concentrate. A racing heartbeat, trembling, blurred vision or a headache can occur too. Symptoms may develop quickly, particularly after delaying a meal, exercising, or taking glucose-lowering medicine.

Dizziness alone cannot confirm hypoglycaemia. If possible, check your glucose using the method provided by your clinician, while treating symptoms promptly according to your personal plan.

Sit or lie down so you do not fall. If you are awake and can swallow, use the fast-acting glucose treatment recommended for you, then recheck as instructed and eat a sustaining snack or meal when advised. Do not drive while symptoms continue. If episodes repeat, record the timing, meals, activity, medicines and readings to discuss with your clinician.

Call emergency services if the person is confused, having a seizure, unconscious, unable to swallow, or not improving. Never put food or drink into the mouth of someone who is drowsy or unconscious. Seek medical advice for repeated episodes, symptoms without a known glucose problem, or dizziness that remains after glucose has been corrected.

Ask how to recognise your early warning signs, what treatment to carry, how medicines and exercise affect glucose, and when a low reading needs same-day advice.