Hypoglycemia unawareness
Current as of: December 20, 2019
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review: E. Gregory Thompson MD - Internal Medicine & Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine & Rhonda O'Brien MS, RD, CDE - Certified Diabetes Educator
Hypoglycemia unawarenessHypoglycemia (or hypoglycemic) unawareness is the inability to recognize early symptoms of low blood sugar until they become severe. When symptoms reach this stage, urgent treatment is needed to prevent further progression and life-threatening health problems, such as a seizure or stroke. Severe symptoms of low blood sugar include confusion, slurred speech, unsteadiness when standing or walking, muscle twitching, and personality changes. People with diabetes who tightly control their blood sugar levels are more likely to have episodes of low blood sugar. Frequent and severe low blood sugar episodes are likely to evolve into hypoglycemia unawareness. The longer a person has had diabetes, the more likely he or she is to develop hypoglycemic unawareness. After a person has had one hypoglycemia unawareness episode, more are likely to occur. Current as of: December 20, 2019 Author: Healthwise Staff Medical Review: E. Gregory Thompson MD - Internal Medicine & Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine & Rhonda O'Brien MS, RD, CDE - Certified Diabetes Educator |
Search the
Healthwise Knowledgebase This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content. To learn more about Healthwise, visit Healthwise.org. © 1995-2020 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. |