Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar) in People Without Diabetes
Topic Overview
Is this topic for you?
Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, is most common in people with diabetes. If you have already been diagnosed with diabetes and need more information about low blood sugar, see the topics:
What causes low blood sugar?
Your body uses hormones to keep your blood sugar in a normal range. But a long-term health problem that needs treatment can cause blood sugar to drop too low.
People with diabetes often deal with low blood sugar. It’s not as common in people who don't have diabetes, but it can happen. It could be caused by:
- Medicines such as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (used to treat depression), quinine sulfate (used to treat malaria), and aspirin.
- Drinking too much alcohol.
- Diseases that affect the pancreas, liver, kidneys, adrenal glands, or other organs.
- Metabolism problems that run in families.
- Problems caused by stomach surgery.
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms can be different depending on how low your blood sugar level drops.
- Mild hypoglycemia can make you feel hungry or like you want to vomit. You could also feel jittery or nervous. Your heart may beat fast. You may sweat. Or your skin might turn cold and clammy.
- Moderate hypoglycemia often makes people feel short-tempered, nervous, afraid, or confused. Your vision may blur. You could also feel unsteady or have trouble walking.
- Severe hypoglycemia can cause you to pass out. You could have seizures. It could even cause a coma or death.
If you've had hypoglycemia during the night, you may wake up tired or with a headache. And you may have nightmares. Or you may sweat so much during the night that your pajamas or sheets are damp when you wake up.
How is hypoglycemia diagnosed?
To diagnose hypoglycemia, your doctor will do a physical exam and ask you questions about your health. You will need tests to check your blood sugar levels. Your doctor will also ask you about any medicines you take and whether you have recently lost or gained weight.
If a blood test shows that you have low blood sugar, and if you have symptoms that go away after you eat a snack or drink with sugar in it, you probably have hypoglycemia.
How is it treated?
If you have symptoms of low blood sugar, you need to eat or drink something with sugar in it. For example, you could eat raisins, graham crackers, or candy. You could also drink skim milk, regular (not diet) soda, or fruit juice. You may also take glucose tablets.
It’s a good idea to find out about health problems or situations that can lead to low blood sugar. It’s also important to pay attention to your health and lifestyle. For example, talk to your doctor to see if you can change your diet, change the medicines you take, or change the way you exercise. In some cases, treating the health problem that is causing low blood sugar can prevent future problems.
What should you do in an emergency?
If mild or moderate hypoglycemia isn't treated right away, it can turn into severe hypoglycemia. People with severe hypoglycemia usually pass out. If you pass out, someone should call 911 right away. It’s a good idea to teach your family, friends, and coworkers about low blood sugar ahead of time so they'll know what to do.
Frequently Asked Questions
Learning about hypoglycemia:
Being diagnosed:
Getting treatment:
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| Author: | Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS | Last Updated: April 12, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine Alan C. Dalkin, MD - Endocrinology | |
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| Topic Contents | |
 | Topic Overview |
| Symptoms | |
| Exams and Tests | |
| Treatment Overview | |
| Home Treatment | |
| Related Information | |
| References | |
| Credits | |