What do palpitations feel like with hypoglycaemia?
Short answer
Palpitations is a common presentation of Hypoglycaemia. A low blood glucose episode can bring a sudden pounding, racing or fluttering heartbeat. It may arrive with shaking, sweating, hunger, tingling, dizziness, anxiety, irritability or difficulty concentrating. The sensations may improve after glucose is corrected, but repeated episodes need review to understand why they are happening.
This answers one question. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace an assessment by a licensed doctor.
At a glance
- Common pattern
- Sudden racing or pounding heartbeat with shaking or sweating
- Useful record
- Glucose reading, meal timing, medicine and activity
- Emergency sign
- Unconsciousness, seizure or inability to swallow
Why low glucose causes palpitations
When blood glucose falls, the body releases hormones that encourage glucose to rise. Those hormones also activate the heart and nervous system, causing palpitations and other warning symptoms. Similar feelings can come from anxiety, dehydration, medicines or an abnormal rhythm. If you can check your glucose safely, the reading and timing can help your clinician assess the pattern.
What to do during symptoms
If you are awake and able to swallow, follow your diabetes care plan for treating low glucose, using the fast-acting glucose source recommended for you. Recheck as instructed and eat the follow-up food advised in your plan. Do not give food or drink to someone who is drowsy, confused or unable to swallow. Keep a record of meals, medicines, activity and symptoms.
When it is an emergency
Call emergency services if the person is unconscious, having a seizure, severely confused, unable to swallow, or not improving after the agreed treatment. Seek prompt advice for repeated lows, palpitations that continue after glucose improves, or episodes with chest pain, fainting or severe breathlessness. Do not drive while confused or dizzy.
Questions to bring
Ask whether your medicines, meal timing, alcohol intake, exercise or illness could be contributing. Bring glucose records if available and discuss how to adjust the treatment plan safely. Ask what symptoms should trigger emergency help and whether you need assessment for another cause of palpitations.
Find care
General Clinics & Polyclinics in Abu Dhabi
That answer is general. If you want it applied to your own case, these are licensed general clinics & polyclinics listed in Abu Dhabi.
27 Ar Ruwwad St - Shakhbout City - MSH4 - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates
Accepts: Daman, Thiqa, Cigna, MetLife +20 more
Al Ruwais, Al Dhafrah
Accepts: Daman, Thiqa, AXA, Cigna +16 more
Al Bahyah - Al Bahyah Old - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates
Accepts: Daman, Thiqa, Cigna, Allianz Care +18 more
Abu Dhabi
Accepts: Daman, Thiqa, AXA, Cigna +27 more
Ordered by verification status and how complete each clinic's public record is, then alphabetically. This is a directory listing, not a ranking — Zavis does not rate or recommend providers.
A factual listing drawn from the DHA, DOH and MOHAP licence registers. It is not a referral, an endorsement, or advice that any of these providers is right for you.
Questions people ask
Why does low blood glucose cause a racing heart?
The body releases warning hormones when glucose falls, and these can stimulate the heart and produce palpitations.
What if palpitations continue after low glucose improves?
Contact a clinician promptly, especially if the sensation is prolonged, recurrent, irregular or accompanied by chest pain, fainting or breathlessness.
Related
Related reading
Keep reading
Medical disclaimer. This page is general health information, not medical advice, and it cannot diagnose you. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider about your own symptoms and treatment. In an emergency in the UAE, call 998 for an ambulance.