Skip to main contentSkip to main content

Low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia)

Overview

Open all pages about Low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia)

Symptoms of low blood sugar include sweating, a fast heartbeat and feeling anxious, irritable or confused. If it's severe you can become unconscious.

You can usually treat low blood sugar yourself by having something that will raise your blood sugar quickly, such as a sugary drink or sweets.

You can reduce your risk of low blood sugar by checking your blood sugar regularly, carrying sugary drink or sweets and not delaying meals.

Low blood sugar is usually caused by treatment for diabetes, such as taking insulin. In rare cases it can be caused by other conditions.

Low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) is usually where your blood sugar falls below 4mmol/L. It's common in people with diabetes who take insulin.

Page last reviewed: 03/08/2023
Next review due: 03/08/2026