When is GP consultation recommended for hypoglycaemia?

Hypoglycaemia is a drop in blood glucose that can cause shakiness, sweating, hunger, dizziness, weakness, blurred vision, irritability, or difficulty concentrating. More severe episodes can affect behaviour or consciousness. It is more common in people using insulin or certain diabetes medicines, but repeated episodes without those treatments need medical assessment. A GP can review meals, exercise, alcohol, medicines, health conditions, and glucose records.

If you can do so safely, note the symptoms, glucose reading, time, recent food, activity, alcohol, and medicines. Follow your diabetes care plan for treating a low reading; a fast-acting sugary drink or glucose product may be advised, followed by food when appropriate. Do not drive while symptoms are present. Book a GP appointment if episodes recur, happen overnight, follow exercise, or are becoming harder to recognise.

Call emergency services if someone with suspected hypoglycaemia is unconscious, having a seizure, severely confused, or unable to swallow safely. Do not give food or drink to an unconscious or drowsy person. Get urgent advice for a low reading that does not improve with the person’s agreed treatment, or for repeated episodes with fainting or injury.

Ask whether your medicines, meal pattern, exercise, alcohol, or another illness could be contributing, how to adjust your personal action plan, and when to check glucose. Ask how family or colleagues should help during an episode and whether you need diabetes-team review.