Headache From Low Blood Sugar

Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) can cause and worsen headaches. A hypoglycemic headache can feel like dull throbbing in the temples. If you get migraines, low blood sugar may trigger a migraine episode.

This article discusses why low blood sugar can cause headaches and migraines, as well as how you can prevent and treat them.

Why Does Low Blood Sugar Cause Headaches?

You might experience a headache when your blood sugar levels drop below 70 mg/dL, which is the threshold for hypoglycemia. These headaches often feel like a dull, throbbing pain in the temples. They may also come with other low blood sugar symptoms, such as blurry vision, a faster heart rate, nervousness, fatigue, irritability, and confusion.

If your glucose levels are not brought back up to a level between 70 to 100 mg/dL quickly, then symptoms can worsen to include numbness, poor concentration, poor coordination, passing out, and even coma.

Migraine Headaches

Low blood sugar can also trigger a migraine headache. Some people who experience migraines report craving carbohydrates before the migraine occurs, which could be the body’s way of trying to stabilize blood sugar and avoid the headache.

Migraines from low blood sugar might not include usual symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or sensitivity to light and sound. Instead, they may be paired with the symptoms of low blood sugar mentioned earlier. However, this isn’t always the case.

Preventing Hypoglycemia-Induced Headaches

To prevent your hypoglycemia-induced headache, it’s best to prevent your blood sugars from dropping.

Manage Your Diabetes

If you have diabetes, it’s important to follow the medical management plan established by your healthcare provider.

Be sure to check in regularly with your healthcare provider so they can monitor you for any changes that may affect your treatment plan.

Lifestyle and Diet Changes

Headaches from low blood sugar can happen if you’re fasting since your body needs food to maintain glucose levels. Healthcare providers usually recommend eating smaller, more frequent meals and snacks if you have low blood sugar. It’s best not to go more than three hours without eating.

A diet high in protein and fiber can help keep your blood sugar stable. Limit alcohol and sugar, as too much can lead to low blood sugar, especially on an empty stomach.

Regular exercise is also a key part of managing low blood sugar.

Manage Chronic Illness

Some other causes of hypoglycemia include chronic illnesses like kidney disease, overproduction of insulin by the pancreas, or other endocrine-related issues.

If you have any of these conditions, it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider about treatment options that may help improve your condition and prevent hypoglycemic headaches.

Treating a Hypoglycemia-Induced Headache

People with low blood sugar should always have a blood sugar monitor and a snack on hand. If your blood sugar drops, aim to quickly raise it to between 70 mg/dL and 100 mg/dL.

If you have low blood sugar, or suspect it, use the 15/15 rule: Eat 15 grams of carbohydrates and then wait 15 minutes. Then:

• If your blood sugar rises and you feel better, have a small snack.
• If you still feel low, repeat the process.
• If symptoms don’t improve, call 911.

Choose a food that is mostly carbohydrates, as foods like peanut butter crackers can slow absorption due to their protein content. Good options include:

• Over-the-counter (OTC) glucose tablets or gels
• 1/2 cup of juice
• 1/2 a large banana
• Three pieces of hard candy

Sometimes, hypoglycemia will cause a person to pass out or lose consciousness. Be sure to not try to feed an unconscious person with hypoglycemia, as this can cause choking.

You may also take OTC Tylenol (acetaminophen) or Advil (ibuprofen) if the pain doesn’t subside right away.

Keep your friends and family informed about ways they can act quickly to help you with a hypoglycemic episode.