What are the symptoms of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)?
Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) is a frequent side effect of insulin, sulfonylurea, or repaglinide therapy. Hypoglycemia often feels different to different people, but commonly noted symptoms include sweating, nervousness, trembling or shakiness, rapid heart beat, headache, vision problems, slurred speech, irritability, and weakness. In severe cases, it can lead to loss of consciousness, seizures, or even coma. The vast majority of hypoglycemic episodes are caught early, and can be treated with oral sugar, such as orange juice or candy. In cases where the patient is unconscious, sugar has to be given intravenously. Alternatively, a family member can inject glucagon, a hormonal antidote to insulin, into the patient’s skin. All patients taking insulin or sulfonylureas should have such a glucagon kit at home, and someone in the house should be trained to use it. All patients should also wear a medical alert bracelet identifying themselves as diabetic.
