The Dangerous Complications of Low Blood Sugar

Here's how hypoglycemia may affect the brain and why it’s so dangerous for people with diabetes.

Written by Lauren Smith, MA | Reviewed by Alexandra Schwarz, MD

Updated on November 29, 2023

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Both high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) and low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can be dangerous to the body. Low blood sugar (below 70 mg/dL) can be an emergency medical event. 

In this video, learn how to prevent and treat low blood sugar, and when to call 911 for hypoglycemia, according to Ana Kausel, MD, Endocrinologist in New York City.

Additional Medical Contributors

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• Ana Kausel, MDDr. Kausel is an endocrinologist specializing in diabetes, obesity, and metabolic disorders in New York City.

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References

American Diabetes Association. (n.d.). Hypoglycemia (low blood glucose).

American Diabetes Association. (2020). Fast-acting glucose products. Diabetes Forecast.

View All References (3)

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Mathew, P., et al. (2022). Hypoglycemia. StatPearls.

MedlinePlus. (2023). Hypoglycemia. 

Vella, A. (2024). Hypoglycemia in adults without diabetes mellitus: Clinical manifestations, causes, and diagnosis. UpToDate.

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