A low blood sugar is when your blood sugar is less than 4.0mmol/L. It is also called hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia can become a medical emergency if not treated appropriately.

You may be having a low blood sugar if you have any of the following symptoms:

• Nervousness or irritability
• Sweatiness
• Increased hunger
• Headache or light headedness
• Unsteady on feet
• Blurred vision
• Shakiness
• Difficulty thinking
• Abdominal pain or upset stomach
• Slurred speech
• Numb or tingling lips, tongue, fingers or feet

People may have different symptoms when their blood sugar is too low that is different from the above. Some people may have no symptoms at all. It is also important to know that symptoms of a low blood sugar can change over time. The only way to truly know if you are having a low blood sugar is to test your blood sugar with a finger prick. If your blood sugar is less than 4.0mmol/L you need to treat it right away. If left untreated, your symptoms could get worse & you could pass out. If you have low blood sugars often, you may no longer feel any symptoms of a low blood sugar.

Causes of Hypoglycemia:

• Not eating at regular times or missing meals or snacks
• Not eating enough food or not eating carbohydrates
• Doing more exercise or activity than usual
• Taking more medication or insulin than you need
• Drinking alcohol

Treating Hypoglycemia:

Click here for detailed instructions on how to treat hypoglycemia appropriately.

It is important to always be prepared for a potential low blood sugar. You may find it helpful to carry low blood sugar treatments (fast-acting sugar) & snacks with you at all times, especially when driving or when being active.

Click here for the current driving guidelines to follow if you have diabetes.