Low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, occurs when your blood sugar level drops below 4 mmol/L.
It requires quick treatment to prevent it from worsening, but it’s generally manageable on your own.
On the other hand, high blood sugar, or hyperglycemia, is when blood sugar levels are too elevated.
Recognizing Low Blood Sugar
Hypoglycemia primarily affects individuals with diabetes who are on insulin or certain diabetes medications. It is rare in people without diabetes.
Common symptoms of low blood sugar include:
- Hunger
- Dizziness
- Anxiety or irritability
- Sweating
- Shaking
- Tingling in the lips
- Heart palpitations
- Fatigue or weakness
- Blurred vision
- Confusion
In severe cases, symptoms may escalate to seizures, fainting, or loss of consciousness.