When should you worry about excessive sweating if you have hypoglycaemia?

When blood glucose falls, the body releases stress hormones. This can cause sudden sweating along with shaking, hunger, a pounding heart, dizziness, tingling, irritability, or difficulty concentrating. Sweating can have other causes, so checking glucose when possible helps distinguish a low reading from a different problem.

If you can safely swallow, follow the fast-acting glucose plan given by your clinician and recheck as instructed. Once recovered, follow your plan for a longer-lasting snack or meal if advised. Sit down, avoid driving, and record the episode, possible trigger, and medicines taken. Do not give food or drink to someone who is drowsy or unable to swallow.

Call emergency services for a seizure, loss of consciousness, severe confusion, inability to swallow, or worsening symptoms. Arrange prompt medical advice if episodes recur, happen without an obvious trigger, occur overnight, or continue despite following your treatment plan.

Ask what glucose reading should prompt action, how to adjust food or medicine around exercise, and when you should carry an emergency treatment or seek help.