The person may appear pale, may tremble, or feel cold and clammy. A rapid heartbeat may also be felt. In severe cases, usually associated with diabetes, a person can lose consciousness and lapse into a coma. Hypoglycemia usually occurs in people with diabetes . When people have diabetes, the pancreas does not make enough insulin or the insulin made is not effective.
Blood sugar rises and builds up in the blood.
People with diabetes take insulin or oral medications to keep their blood sugar down. If a person with diabetes takes too much medication, misses meals, or doesn't eat enough food, the person can become hypoglycemic. Rarely, hypoglycemia can occur in people who do not have diabetes. Hypoglycemia can occur in early pregnancy . People can also become hypoglycemic if they fast for a long time or exercise for an extended period.