We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is the Connection Between Diabetes and Dizziness?

Anna T.
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 35,159
Share

Diabetes and dizziness often go hand in hand because of certain problems that diabetics occasionally encounter related to their condition. Some things that contribute to dizziness in diabetics are blood sugar that gets too high or drops too low, heart problems, and blurry vision. In general, proper management of diabetes can prevent bouts of dizziness, but it is still something that most diabetics experience from time to time. People who do not have diabetes but tend to have regular problems with dizziness may need to see their doctors for a checkup. Dizziness is not always a certain sign that diabetes is present, but it is one symptom that many people experience before they are diagnosed.

One of the main factors linking diabetes and dizziness together is high blood sugar. People with diabetes often experience problems with high blood sugar because their pancreas may not produce insulin, which helps to regulate blood sugar levels. When no insulin is present and blood sugar levels are out of control, a person might begin to feel thirsty, hungry, and dizzy. In many cases, an overall sick, lethargic feeling results from blood sugar that is too high. Diabetics can usually prevent this by properly managing their blood sugar, which may be done by taking prescribed medicine for diabetes or using insulin injections.

Low blood sugar is another reason why diabetes and dizziness are related. Diabetics occasionally experience problems with low blood sugar, also known as hypoglycemia. This can happen when a person takes his diabetes medication to lower his blood sugar and then either fails to eat or participates in some other activity that causes blood sugar levels to drop down to dangerous levels. Dizziness and fatigue are two very common problems people experience when they have hypoglycemia. If this is left untreated, a diabetic may go into a diabetic coma, which can be life threatening.

Diabetes and dizziness are also linked to blurry vision and heart problems. People who have diabetes might occasionally have problems with blurry vision and heart problems because of blood sugar levels that are too high. When vision becomes blurred as a result of high blood sugar, a feeling of dizziness and disorientation often accompanies it. Diabetics who have high blood sugar may often have problems with thick blood, which occurs when there is too much sugar in the bloodstream. Blood that is too thick can clog up arteries around the heart and prevent adequate amounts of oxygen from traveling through the veins, which can make a person feel sick and dizzy.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Anna T.
By Anna T.
Anna Thurman is a skilled writer who lends her talents to WiseGeek. Her ability to research and present information in an engaging and accessible manner allows her to create content that resonates with readers across a wide range of subjects.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
By anon342113 — On Jul 17, 2013

I have hyperglycemia (high sugar) and I take Metformin, 1000mg daily. I still get dizzy and my appetite is low. All I want to do is sleep. My glucometer readings are not real bad: 91 to 178 range. Is this a normal reaction?

By literally45 — On Feb 11, 2013

Is it normal for dizziness to be accompanied by nausea when blood sugar is too high?

I experience diabetes symptoms often, especially dizziness but I also feel very nauseated at the same time. When I check my blood sugar, it's higher than usual and I have to take more insulin.

By serenesurface — On Feb 10, 2013

@SarahGen-- I have type 2 diabetes. My body produces insulin but the insulin doesn't recognize the sugar in my blood. So I experience the same problems that people with type 1 diabetes experience including dizziness.

Just last week, I experienced a sudden fall in blood sugar. I had eaten and taken my medication as usual, but I walked a lot that day before class. Right before class, I got dizzy and felt as though a truck had run over me. I just had this sudden fatigue, I couldn't stand up and was very dizzy.

Thankfully, I had some glucose tablets with me. I took one and started to feel better after ten to fifteen minutes. But it took me the rest of the day to completely recuperate. Hypoglycemia is terrible.

By SarahGen — On Feb 10, 2013

Does type 2 diabetes also cause dizziness?

Anna T.
Anna T.
Anna Thurman is a skilled writer who lends her talents to WiseGeek. Her ability to research and present information in an engaging and accessible manner allows her to create content that resonates with readers across a wide range of subjects.
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-the-connection-between-diabetes-and-dizziness.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.