Can Low Blood Sugar Cause Headaches?

Low blood sugar is medically known as hypoglycemia. When blood sugar levels drop too low, it can cause many different symptoms, including headaches. In this article, you’ll learn about the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of headaches relating to low blood sugar, as well as how to know when you should see a healthcare provider.

Can Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia) Cause Headaches?

Hypoglycemia occurs when blood sugar levels fall below 70 mg/dL. They are often caused by imbalances in medications used to treat type 2 diabetes. Because the brain relies on glucose as fuel, low blood sugar can quickly become a serious condition that needs urgent medical attention. 

Low blood sugar can cause headaches and other symptoms. If you have type 2 diabetes and develop a headache, checking your glucose levels can identify whether low or high levels contribute to the headache.

If you take medication for type 2 diabetes and change your typical carbohydrate intake, and activity level, or don’t take your medication consistently, it can affect  blood sugar levels. .

Low blood sugar is not uncommon. Around half of those who take medication for type 2 diabetes may experience low blood sugar at some point.

What Do Headaches from Low Blood Sugar Feel Like?

Headaches that are caused by low blood sugar happen because of changes to brain hormones like epinephrine and norepinephrine. These changes impact blood vessel dilation, which can increase blood flow mechanisms , resulting in dull or all-over head pain.

Other Symptoms of Hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia can cause symptoms quickly. Besides headaches, other signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia can include:

• Blurry vision
• Anxiety or feelings of panic
• Chills
• Confusion
• Rapid pulse
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Physical weakness
• Fatigue
• Hunger
• Irritability
• Seizures
• Shaking
• Excessive sweating
• Fainting or loss of consciousness

Diagnosis

Low blood sugar is diagnosed if your glucose levels drop below 70 mg/dL. Hypoglycemia can happen occasionally, or it can happen frequently.

If you experience symptoms of hypoglycemia, it is important to let your healthcare provider know. If it becomes a recurring problem, it could mean that your diabetes medication is at too high of a dosage, your dietary plan needs adjustment, or your physical activity level has changed.

Some people who experience low blood sugar will only have it happen at night while they are sleeping. When blood sugar levels drop too low when you sleep, it can result in waking up from nightmares or being excessively sweaty. You could also wake up, unsure about what disrupted your sleep. If you take medication for type 2 diabetes or have been diagnosed with it, and you have disruptions to your sleep, testing your glucose levels in the middle of the night can help a medical provider understand whether hypoglycemia is to blame.

Treatment

Hypoglycemia is treated based on symptoms and other factors that are likely causing it. Treatment of  hypoglycemia may involve:

• Adjustments to type 2 diabetes medication dosage
• Maintaining a stable level of physical activity
• Consuming a consistent combination of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats 

Other factors can also play a role in supporting normal blood sugar levels, such as drinking enough fluids, getting enough sleep, and finding healthy ways to manage stress.

If you only experience nighttime hypoglycemia, your medical provider may suggest a bedtime snack that contains a balance of carbohydrates and protein, like almonds.

Prevention

When you are being treated for type 2 diabetes, especially if you take medication to lower blood sugar levels, it is important to make sure that you maintain a consistent healthy diet. Suddenly eating more or less can alter your blood sugar levels, especially if you reduce your carbohydrate intake.

Higher activity levels or intense exercise can use more blood glucose, which could lead to low levels if you take medication to keep your blood sugar low. If you want to increase your exercise intensity, work with your medical provider. They may need to monitor your blood sugar levels more closely, suggest consuming more carbohydrates before exercise or reduce your diabetes medication.

Preventing low blood sugar is possible by understanding what factors can cause your levels to drop. By regularly testing your blood sugar levels as directed by your medical provider, you can be aware of signs of hypoglycemia before you develop symptoms.

When to See a Medical Provider

If you experience episodes of hypoglycemia, you should let a medical provider know. This is especially important if you are on medications like metformin or others that lower your glucose levels.

If you are unsure how to maintain balanced glucose levels, your medical provider or healthcare team can help you understand diet, exercise, and other lifestyle management tips to support balanced blood sugar levels.

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