When to worry about fainting with hypoglycaemia

Fainting is a common presentation of Hypoglycaemia. The brain depends on glucose, so a low level can cause sweating, shaking, hunger, blurred vision, confusion, unusual behaviour, drowsiness, or loss of consciousness. A blackout can have another cause, including a heart or neurological problem, so recurrent episodes need a medical review even when glucose improves symptoms.

If the person is awake and can swallow normally, use the fast-acting glucose treatment in their diabetes plan, then recheck or reassess as instructed. If they are unconscious, confused, or having a seizure, place them on their side, do not give food, drink, or tablets, and use prescribed emergency glucagon only if trained. Stay with them and call emergency services.

Call emergency services for loss of consciousness, a seizure, difficulty breathing, serious injury, inability to swallow, or failure to return to normal awareness. Seek prompt medical advice after repeated low readings, unexplained fainting, a medication or meal change, or an episode that occurs without diabetes treatment.

Ask what glucose treatment and glucagon plan is right for you, how medicines, meals, alcohol, kidney problems, or exercise may affect glucose, and whether your monitoring schedule needs adjustment. Ask family members to learn the emergency plan.