Diabetic Hypoglycemia

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Diabetic hypoglycemia (also called insulin shock or insulin reaction) is having an abnormally low amount of sugar (glucose) in the blood relative to the amount of insulin in the blood.

A person with diabetes can become hypoglycemic by taking too much insulin or diabetes medicine or by skipping meals.

Symptoms of hypoglycemia include headache, hunger, weakness, sweating, anxiety, and changes in personality. If untreated, it can lead to seizures, unconsciousness, brain damage, or death.

Treatment for diabetic hypoglycemia involves eating foods that contain sugar or getting a dose of glucagon. This is a substance that stimulates the liver to release glucose into the bloodstream.

Current as of: April 30, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Current as of: April 30, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.