Why Lows Can Be Dangerous

Your brain runs almost entirely on glucose, a type of sugar. Think of glucose as fuel for a car.

When blood sugar gets very low, your brain may not work the way it should. You may feel confused. Your speech may slur, and walking can become unsafe.

A brain sits beside a brain fuel dial. With steady fuel the needle sits in the middle and the brain glows. When sugar runs low the needle drops to empty, the brain dims and swirls show confusion. Steady checks and care keep the needle in the middle.

A confused person may not be able to treat their own low safely. A severe low needs another person's help to recover. Someone nearby can check on them and stay close.

If someone has a seizure or passes out, call emergency services. Talk to your doctor or care team about your plan for treating lows.

Key takeaways

• A very low blood sugar can cause confusion, slurred speech, and unsafe walking.
• Severe lows can cause falls, seizures, or passing out.
• Prompt treatment and help from others can lower the risk of serious harm.

Try it

Today, write down one person who could check on you during a low, with their phone number.