Diabetes Low Sugar Symptoms

Diabetes is a medical condition in which the body does not properly regulate blood sugar levels. Diabetics sometimes experience a period of low blood sugar levels, which is called hypoglycemia, when their insulin and blood sugar levels get out of balance. A low blood sugar level can be caused by numerous factors, including too much insulin, eating too many carbohydrates or getting too much exercise. Low blood sugar levels can quickly elevate to a dangerous condition, so it's important that diabetics and others they spend time with know their symptoms so they can correct the situation. The condition is generally treated by eating or drinking a sugary substance such as orange juice or glucose tablets.

Neurological Symptoms

• Some diabetics who have low blood sugar will feel nervous or jittery, start trembling, feel tingling or numbness in the lips and fingertips, be confused or have trouble concentrating, have difficulty talking or walking, or be dizzy or lightheaded.

Hunger

• Extreme hunger often accompanies a period of low blood sugar in diabetics. Thirst can also sometimes be a symptom.

Heart Rate

• When a diabetic's blood sugar drops, the heartbeat can suddenly accelerate to a tachycardic, or rapid, rhythm. Diabetics should always take a rapid heartbeat seriously because it could indicate a problem with blood sugar levels.

Sweating

• Unexplained sweating can also be a sign of a low blood sugar level in diabetics. Other similar symptoms include wet or cold and clammy skin.

Serious Symptoms

• When a diabetic's blood sugar level falls to a dangerously low level, symptoms can include seizures and convulsions, a low body temperature and loss of consciousness. If left untreated, a person in this state will fall into a diabetic coma, an extremely dangerous condition that needs immediate medical attention.