What does seizure feel like with hypoglycaemia?

Before a seizure, low blood glucose may cause hunger, trembling, sweating, a racing heartbeat, dizziness, blurred vision, irritability, or difficulty thinking. As the brain receives less glucose, speech and behaviour can change, awareness may fade, and the body can stiffen or jerk. Afterwards, the person may be confused, sleepy, or unable to remember the event. A seizure can happen without an obvious warning, particularly when glucose falls quickly or warning symptoms are less noticeable.

If the person is awake and can swallow safely, follow their diabetes plan for treating low glucose. If they are having a seizure, unconscious, or unable to swallow, do not give food, drink, or anything by mouth. Protect the head, clear the area, turn them onto their side when possible, and use prescribed glucagon if a trained person has it and the plan says to do so. Check breathing and call emergency services.

Call emergency services for a seizure, loss of consciousness, breathing difficulty, injury, repeated low readings, or failure to recover after the person’s usual treatment. Urgent review is also needed when the cause is unclear or symptoms return. Do not let a confused person eat or drink without supervision.

Ask how to recognise your early warning signs, when to use glucagon, and how medicines, meals, exercise, alcohol, or illness may affect glucose. Review what to record after an episode and whether your treatment plan needs adjustment.