Hypoglycaemia: Low Blood Sugar Symptoms and Treatment

For most people, low blood sugar refers to anything below 4 mmol/L, though keep in mind that your number may be different.¹ 

Low blood sugar, also known as hypoglycaemia, can be caused by taking too many medications, not eating enough, or exercising.¹ Instead of feeling frustrated with yourself for making choices that might have caused this to happen, focus on getting your blood sugar back in the appropriate range. Then you can consider what might have caused your low blood sugar to help prevent it next time.

Everyone has different symptoms, but the most common signs of low blood sugar or hypoglycaemia¹ that you should be aware of are: 

• Lightheadedness or dizziness
• Headache
• Numb lips or fingers
• Sweating
• Weakness
• Crying
• Irritability
• Lack of concentration

If you believe you have the symptoms of low blood sugar, you will want to confirm by checking your blood glucose, then follow the 3-step “15-15” rule once results have indicated that your blood sugar is low.¹ 

The 3-Step “15-15” Rule¹ 

1. Eat or drink 15 to 20g of a fast-acting carbohydrate.
2. Rest for 10-15 minutes.
3. Check your blood glucose levels, and if they’re still low (below 4 mmol/L), repeat the 3 steps. 

What is the best thing to eat when your blood sugar is low? 

For 15 to 20g of carbohydrates when your blood glucose is low, try¹:

• five glucose or dextrose tablets
• four jelly babies
• a small glass of a sugary (non-diet) drink (150-200ml)
• a small carton of pure fruit juice (200ml)
• premeasured glucose tabs or gel 

Once your blood glucose levels have stabilised to a safe range, you should eat longer-acting carbohydrates such as a sandwich, piece of fruit, small bowl of cereal, or drink a glass of milk.¹ 

In some cases, people with diabetes don't feel any warning symptoms of hypoglycaemia. This is known as "hypoglycaemia unawareness".² If you are unable to feel the signs of low blood glucose, talk to your healthcare professional about how to carefully monitor your blood glucose levels and fine-tune your insulin therapy to help you avoid hypoglycaemia.

If your low blood sugar goes untreated you are more at risk of this becoming an emergency. In cases of severe hypoglycaemia, you may find yourself unable to eat something that could help raise your blood sugar levels. 

That’s why your healthcare professional may have recommended that you carry a glucagon kit.³ When administered by another person, this injection of the hormone glucagon will quickly stimulate your body to produce the glucose you need.³ 

Take time to talk to your friends and family about what signs of low blood sugar to be aware of and, if needed, how to use the glucagon kit in case of an emergency. 

Last but not least, if you frequently experience hypoglycaemia, be sure to consult your healthcare professional.

This content is provided for general information only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely – you must obtain professional or specialist advice from your healthcare professional before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content. Although we make reasonable efforts to ensure that the content is up to date, Roche makes no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content is accurate, complete, up-to-date or that it should be relied upon.