Hypoglycemia: Causes, Symptoms, and How to Manage Low Blood Sugar

When your blood sugar drops too low, your body sends out warning signals—shaking, sweating, confusion, even fainting. This is hypoglycemia, a condition where blood glucose falls below 70 mg/dL, often due to medication, skipped meals, or excessive exercise. Also known as low blood sugar, it’s not just a diabetic problem—it can happen to anyone, especially if you’re taking insulin or certain oral meds. Many people think hypoglycemia only affects those with type 1 diabetes, but it’s also common in type 2 patients using sulfonylureas or meglitinides, and even in non-diabetics who skip meals or drink alcohol on an empty stomach.

It’s not just about feeling shaky. Severe hypoglycemia can lead to seizures, loss of consciousness, or worse if not treated fast. The body relies on glucose for brain function, so when levels crash, your mind doesn’t work right. You might feel dizzy, have trouble speaking, or act oddly—like you’re drunk. That’s why it’s so dangerous if you don’t recognize the signs. People on insulin, a hormone therapy used to lower blood sugar in diabetes are at highest risk, especially if they miscalculate doses or don’t eat enough after injecting. But even blood glucose, the amount of sugar circulating in your bloodstream, measured in mg/dL or mmol/L can dip dangerously low from intense workouts, fasting, or drinking alcohol without food. Some medications, like those used for heart conditions or certain antibiotics, can also interfere with glucose regulation.

Managing hypoglycemia isn’t about avoiding sugar altogether—it’s about balance. Eating regular meals, carrying fast-acting carbs like glucose tabs or juice, and checking your levels before driving or exercising can prevent emergencies. If you’re on diabetes meds, talk to your doctor about adjusting doses or switching to drugs with lower hypoglycemia risk. And don’t ignore those early warning signs. A quick 15 grams of carbs can save you from a hospital trip. Below, you’ll find real-world advice from people who’ve been there—from how to spot hidden triggers to what meds can make it worse, and how pharmacists help you avoid dangerous mistakes.