In most cases, the presence of cold sweats with dizziness is the first sign of a hypoglycemic attack, which happens when blood sugar levels are very low, usually below 70 mg / dL.
Over time, it is common for other symptoms to appear, which may include any of the following:
- Hunger and weakness; Nausea; Drowsiness; Tingling or numbness in the lips and tongue; Shaking; Chills; Irritability and impatience; Anxiety and nervousness; Changes in mood; Mental confusion; Headache; Heart palpitations; Lack of coordination in movements; Convulsions; Fainting.
These symptoms can occur at any age, but are more common in people with diabetes, when it is more difficult to keep track of blood sugar levels.
How to confirm if it is hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemia occurs when blood sugar levels are very low, usually reaching values below 70 mg / dl, and can also affect people during sleep, when it is more difficult to be identified.
Thus, the only way to know your blood glucose levels is to take a quick test with the handheld device that is normally used by diabetics. See how to properly use the blood glucose device.
What to do
When you feel the first symptoms or identify someone with signs of hypoglycemia, you should sit down and offer foods rich in sugar or easily digestible carbohydrates, such as 1 glass of fruit juice, half a glass of water with 1 tablespoon of sugar or 1 sweet bread, for example.
After 15 minutes, one should check whether the symptoms have improved and, if possible, measure the victim's blood glucose. If the results are still below 70 mg / dl or if the symptoms persist, seek emergency assistance for medical help.
If during this period, the person passes out, medical help should be called immediately and rub a paste of sugar, made with a few drops of water, inside the cheeks and under the tongue. This technique helps to ensure a quick absorption of sugar and also avoids the risk of choking that can arise when giving water with sugar.
Find out how the complete treatment for hypoglycemia should be done.
Other possible causes
Although hypoglycemia is the most common cause of cold sweating and dizziness, other conditions can also cause this type of symptoms. Some of these conditions include:
- Dehydration; Rapid decrease in blood pressure; Excessive stress and anxiety.
In addition, there are even more serious conditions that can cause these symptoms, but they are also rarer and usually appear in more debilitated people, such as generalized infections or decreased oxygen in the brain. Find out more about each of these causes and what to do in each case.
