What does nausea feel like with hypoglycaemia?

Hypoglycaemia means blood glucose is too low for the body’s immediate needs. Alongside nausea, a person may feel hungry, shaky, sweaty, light-headed, weak, irritable or anxious. Blurred vision, a headache, difficulty concentrating or unusual behaviour can develop as the brain receives less glucose. It can happen after diabetes medicine, missed or delayed food, more physical activity than usual, or alcohol. Nausea has many causes, so symptoms should be interpreted with a glucose reading when one is available.

If you have diabetes and can swallow safely, check your glucose if possible and follow your personal low-glucose plan. Usually this involves taking a fast-acting sugary drink or glucose product, then rechecking and eating a longer-lasting snack when recovered, according to the advice given by your diabetes team. Do not drive while symptoms continue. Keep a record of the episode, food, activity and medicines to discuss with your clinician.

Call emergency services if the person is confused, having a seizure, unconscious, unable to swallow, or not improving after the agreed treatment. Never put food or drink into the mouth of someone who is drowsy or unconscious. Arrange medical review for repeated episodes, unexplained nausea with sweating or shaking, or any episode after a change in diabetes medicine.

What is my personal plan for treating low glucose? Could my medicine, meals or activity be contributing? Should my treatment or monitoring routine be adjusted after this episode?