Complications of
Hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemia
has some additional complications
Fear of Hypoglycemia
Getting a low glucose reaction
is uncomfortable—patients often tell me that it “ruins their whole day.” It causes anxiety, and some people
become so fearful that they start giving less insulin than they need
and keep glucose levels deliberately high. This is an understandable reaction, and if this is happening to you,
work with your doctor to slowly lower your glucose targets. It may also be helpful to use a continuous glucose
monitoring system.
Risk of Injury
A significant complication of
hypoglycemia is that it might put the person who is hypoglycemic or people around him in danger—for example, if
he is operating machinery or driving. If the hypoglycemia is severe, the person can have a seizure, weakness on
one side of the body, or vision problems.
Effect on Intellectual Function
People who have severe hypoglycemic reactions also have other complications from the diabetes that could impact
intellectual function.
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