Hypoglycemia is an adverse effect of many diabetes drugs especially insulin. It is often experienced when clinicians are trying for tight glucose control. Hypoglycemia is described as blood glucose levels of 70 and below, It is very significant when levels reach 54. Symptoms of hypoglycemia may be experienced if patients have high levels that drop rapidly.

Signs of mild hypoglycemia are excessive hunger, palpitations, sweating, and tremors. Signs of moderate hypoglycemia include agitation, decreased attentiveness, drowsiness, headache, irritability, and moodiness. Signs of severe hypoglycemia are combativeness, seizures, unconsciousness, and unresponsiveness. Patients with mild to moderate hypoglycemia usually can self treat but may require some assistance. However severe hypoglycemic patients require assistance and are possibly life threatening.