Internal Medicine
Symptoms of Low Blood Sugar
Reviewed by the JordanMedHub Medical Editorial Team · 9/12/2026
Quick Answer
Low blood sugar can come on quickly and needs prompt action. Here's how to recognize it, and when it becomes a medical emergency.
In this article
Low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, most often affects people being treated for diabetes with insulin or certain oral medications, though it can occasionally happen in people without diabetes too.
Established medical practice
According to American Diabetes Association guidance, a blood sugar reading below 70 mg/dL is generally considered low, even without noticeable symptoms, and a reading below 54 mg/dL is more clinically serious and calls for immediate action. Some people — especially those who've had diabetes for many years or have frequent lows — can develop hypoglycemia unawareness, where the warning symptoms below don't appear until blood sugar is already very low, which is why regular testing matters and symptoms alone shouldn't be relied on.
Common Symptoms
- Shakiness or trembling
- Sweating
- Rapid heartbeat
- Sudden hunger
- Irritability or anxiety
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
Severe Symptoms
If untreated, low blood sugar can progress to confusion, slurred speech, difficulty concentrating, seizures, or loss of consciousness.
What to Do
Mild to moderate low blood sugar is usually treated by eating or drinking something with fast-acting sugar — such as juice, regular soda, or glucose tablets — and rechecking blood sugar after about 15 minutes.
Disclaimer
This guide is for general education only and does not diagnose or recommend treatment for any individual. If low blood sugar symptoms don't improve after eating or drinking something sugary, or if someone becomes confused or loses consciousness, seek emergency medical care.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I eat if my blood sugar is low?
Something with fast-acting sugar — such as juice, regular soda, or glucose tablets — followed by rechecking blood sugar after about 15 minutes.
Can low blood sugar happen without diabetes?
It's less common, but yes — certain medications, heavy alcohol use, some illnesses, and skipping meals for a long time can occasionally cause it in people without diabetes.
Written by JordanMedHub Medical Editorial Team
Updated 9/14/2026
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