The information on this website is not intended for diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your physician for health concerns.

+90 850 321 50 00

Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar)

An urgent metabolic situation caused by a dangerous drop in blood sugar.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Endokrinoloji department. Book Appointment →

What is Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar)?

Hypoglycemia is a condition that occurs when blood sugar falls below 70 mg/dL. The brain, in particular, and all body cells depend on glucose as an energy source; therefore, a rapid drop in blood sugar triggers symptoms.

In people with diabetes, exceeding the dose of blood sugar-lowering drugs such as insulin or sulfonylureas, skipping meals, or exercising more than expected are the most common causes. In non-diabetics, insulinoma (insulin-secreting tumor), alcohol consumption, severe liver disease, and reactive hypoglycemia should be considered.

Mild hypoglycemia is corrected by intake of fast-acting carbohydrates (fruit juice, sugar), while severe cases may develop loss of consciousness and seizures; in such cases, glucagon injection or intravenous glucose infusion is mandatory.

Symptoms

Tremor and hand shaking
Cold sweat
Palpitations and pallor
Dizziness and weakness
Hunger and lip numbness
Difficulty concentrating and irritability
In severe hypoglycemia: confusion, seizure, or fainting

Risk Factors

People with diabetes using insulin or sulfonylureas
Skipping meals or eating little
Unexpected excessive physical activity
Alcohol consumption (suppresses hepatic glucose production)
Kidney or liver failure
Insulinoma (pancreatic tumor)
Hypoglycemia unawareness in type 1 diabetes

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • If loss of consciousness or seizure occurs (emergency!)
  • If hypoglycemic symptoms recur frequently
  • Unexplained low blood sugar in a non-diabetic individual
  • For evaluation on discharge after severe hypoglycemia
  • If insulin dosing needs to be readjusted

Treatment Methods

01
15-15 rule: take 15 g of fast-acting carbohydrate (4 sugar cubes, 150 mL fruit juice), wait 15 minutes
02
Repeat the same amount if not improved
03
Glucagon injection in severe hypoglycemia (1 mg IM or SC)
04
Intravenous 50% dextrose infusion in hospital
05
Review of insulin or drug dose
06
Training on hypoglycemia management for people with diabetes and their relatives

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Endokrinoloji department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Endokrinoloji Department

Let us help you

You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

Book AppointmentContact Us

Related Health Topics

Other articles from the same department you may want to explore.

Anaemia

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Anaemia is a low haemoglobin level that reduces oxygen delivery, causing fatigue, pallor, and shortness of breath. It is not a disease itself but a sign of many underlying conditions. Most cases are correctable with appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

Iron Deficiency Anaemia

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Iron deficiency anaemia develops when dietary intake, absorption, or losses create an iron shortfall, most often affecting women and children. Identifying the underlying cause is the core of management, alongside iron replacement.

Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause megaloblastic anaemia, neurological symptoms, and cognitive impairment. Early treatment with intramuscular or oral B12 largely prevents irreversible complications.

Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) Management

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Hypertension is often called the silent killer because it progresses symptom-free for years and can damage the heart, brain, kidneys, and eyes. Regular monitoring, lifestyle change, and evidence-based drug therapy dramatically reduce cardiovascular risk.

Chronic Kidney Disease

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Chronic kidney disease is one of the most common complications of chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension, and can be silent in its early stages.

Hepatitis B (HBV)

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Hepatitis B is a DNA virus infection causing acute and chronic hepatitis with risk of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma; diagnosis integrates HBsAg, HBeAg, anti-HBc, and HBV DNA with management based on disease phase using nucleos(t)ide analogues (entecavir, tenofovir) and universal infant vaccination.

Hepatitis C (HCV)

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Hepatitis C is an RNA virus causing chronic hepatitis that may progress to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma; modern direct-acting antiviral (DAA) pangenotypic regimens (sofosbuvir/velpatasvir, glecaprevir/pibrentasvir) achieve sustained virologic response over 95% in 8–12 weeks with universal adult screening and cure for nearly all patients.

Fatty Liver Disease

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is closely related to obesity and metabolic syndrome and is largely reversible with early treatment.

Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.