|  | Conditions Treatments | Diabetes

Symptoms of a Diabetic Crash

A diabetic crash is a phrase used to describe when a diabetic's blood sugar level becomes abnormally low. The medical term for this condition is hypoglycemia. A diabetic who feels the symptoms of a diabetic crash must take immediate steps to raise her blood sugar level back into a normal range---this involves consuming something sugary such as fruit juice or glucose tablets and monitoring blood sugar levels with a glucose meter. Diabetics should work with a doctor to determine the cause of reoccurring crashes. Possible causes for a crash include taking too much insulin, not eating properly after administering insulin and/or exercising more than normal. The symptoms of a diabetic crash are similar for both Type I and Type II diabetics.

  1. Sweating and Hunger

    • Individuals with low blood sugar often feel extremely hungry and start to sweat. These two symptoms are generally the first to arise for most diabetics and should serve as a warning sign that blood sugar levels should be monitored and steps taken to raise sugar levels back to a normal range. Treating a diabetic crash when these first two symptoms arise can stave off other symptoms.

    Mood Changes and Confusion

    • When a diabetic experiences an abnormally low blood sugar level, his mood can change and confusion can occur. Diabetic crashes may also produce irritability, hostility, anxiety and abnormal behaviors. During a diabetic crash, the sufferer may find it hard to focus and/or complete routine tasks that would otherwise come easily. When mood changes occur, due to a diabetic crash, it's important for the person to monitor his blood sugar level and to eat to increase his blood sugar level.

    Vision Symptoms

    • Diabetic crashes can affect a person's vision. This is largely because low blood sugar affects the blood and nerves. A person with a low blood sugar level may have blurry vision or even see double. Individuals who are experiencing low blood sugar should not drive or operate heavy machinery until blood sugar levels are back to a normal range.

    Cardiovascular and Neurological Symptoms

    • Severe diabetic crashes can produce heart palpitations. The symptoms of a diabetic crash should not be ignored. Putting off immediate treatment for even a few minutes can result in an emergency situation. For example, a person could lose consciousness, experience a seizure, go into a coma or die if steps aren't taken to raise her blood sugar level.

    Considerations

    • A diabetic should carry a medical alert card as well as wear jewelry that identifies him as a diabetic. Medical alert cards and jewelry can be purchased at drug stores. They are also made available by most physicians. Jewelry can be obtained at jewelry stores.
      A medical identification card can also help law enforcement determine if a person is having a diabetic crash more quickly.

Diabetes - Related Articles