Distinguishing Between Low Blood Sugar and Anxiety Symptoms
What sets the two apart? As a woman dealing with an eating disorder, I find myself currently facing troubling symptoms. It has now been 24 hours since I last consumed any food, and suddenly I’m experiencing confusion, slurred speech, a sense of dizziness (even while seated), nausea, trembling, and an overwhelming feeling of warmth and perspiration. In the midst of this, I glanced at my Garmin watch and saw that my heart rate was in the low 40s, while I typically maintain around 60. I’m uncertain if I’m experiencing an anxiety attack or if it is instead a case of severely low blood sugar. Unfortunately, I don’t have a means to measure it, and while it hasn’t been long since my last meal, I wasn’t initially feeling anxious; however, my condition is escalating, and I now feel quite unwell. At this moment, I am struggling so much that I can hardly bring myself to eat anything at all. Could this illness be attributed solely to anxiety, or is it likely caused by my lack of food intake? Additionally, please refrain from suggesting I seek help—I am already in the process of getting support. I’m simply inquiring about the symptoms for my understanding and to be better prepared if this situation arises again in the future. Thank you!
Answers (1)
2/3/2026, 10:30:45 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing a difficult situation, and it's understandable that you're trying to distinguish between anxiety symptoms and the effects of not eating. Both low blood sugar and anxiety can present similarly, but there are key differences to look for.
Main Points:
- Symptoms Overlap: Both low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and anxiety can cause confusion, dizziness, trembling, and changes in heart rate.
- Unique Signs: Low blood sugar typically brings on additional physical symptoms like weakness, shakiness, and paleness, while anxiety may involve racing thoughts or dread.
- Immediate Action is Essential: Due to your symptoms and time without food, it's critical to address your energy levels safely and effectively.
Explanation:
-
Low Blood Sugar: This condition occurs when your blood glucose levels drop too low, often causing symptoms like confusion, trembling, and a rapid heartbeat. When you haven’t eaten for 24 hours, your body may not have enough energy to function normally, leading to these symptoms.
-
Anxiety Symptoms: While anxiety can indeed manifest with physical reactions like increased heart rate and trembling, it often includes emotional symptoms like feelings of fear or panic that may not coincide with a physical cause such as low blood sugar.
Next Steps:
-
Immediate Intake of Food: It’s crucial to try and consume something that is easily digestible, such as fruit juice, a snack bar, or a piece of fruit. If you cannot eat, try drinking a sugary beverage to help raise your blood sugar quickly.
-
Hydration: Ensure you’re also drinking fluids. Staying hydrated can help alleviate some symptoms of both low blood sugar and anxiety.
-
Rest and Calmness: Sit down in a quiet place if you can and focus on deep, steady breathing to help reduce anxiety and allow your body to stabilize.
-
Monitor Symptoms: After you have ingested something, monitor how you feel over the next 30 minutes. If your symptoms worsen or you experience severe changes such as fainting, further confusion, or an inability to respond, it’s important to seek immediate assistance even if support is not your preference.
-
Create a Plan: Moving forward, consider planning your meals to prevent prolonged periods without food, as this can help manage both your physical and emotional well-being.
Taking care of your body is important, especially during times of stress. You're doing great by being proactive about understanding your symptoms. If this situation arises again, these steps can help guide you through it safely.
Related Questions
Experiencing Alarming Symptoms from Stimulants: Should I Consult a Physician?
At 21 years old and diagnosed with ADHD, I am currently on methylphenidate. Standing at 5 feet 9 inches and weighing 150 pounds, I have a family history of cardiovascular issues. Earlier today, I consumed an Alani energy drink containing 200 mg of caffeine, then realized I had forgotten to take my medication. I recently increased my dosage from 36 mg to 54 mg of extended-release methylphenidate, as the previous dose was ineffective. After taking the medication, I inadvertently drank a diet soda, unaware that I had already taken my meds. Despite managing caffeine intake while on this prescription for the past five years, I've never experienced such adverse reactions before. Currently, I am feeling extremely fatigued, with my chest pounding and aching. Additionally, I am suffering from a severe headache, and my vision appears slightly misaligned, a symptom I occasionally deal with when migraines strike. I fear that I might have induced a severe migraine. My concern stems from having a mutation in the RYR2 gene, as well as a family history of cardiac arrest and other heart issues. I have also been diagnosed with an aortic aneurysm. On top of that, I have experienced migraines that resemble stroke symptoms in the past, leading me to believe that I may have triggered a similar episode now. I am apprehensive about my heart rate and chest discomfort not subsiding. Please advise whether I should consult a doctor. For now, I plan to take a nap and hope for relief.
Experiencing Blood Pressure Spikes and Distress When Upright
I am a 30-year-old male with no prior heart issues and no family history of such conditions. Lately, I've been facing unusual hot flashes that occur specifically when I am sitting up. After taking my temperature, which was within the normal range (97-98 degrees), I decided to monitor my blood pressure and heart rate with a cuff. I measured my blood pressure in three different positions: sitting, standing, and lying down. While both my sitting and lying blood pressure levels were around 130/70, with an average heart rate of 70-80 beats per minute, standing up led to a startling rise to about 160/110, with my heart rate spiking to between 100 and 110 beats per minute. I repeated these measurements over three days and got identical results each time, and I felt neither stressed nor anxious during these assessments. Additionally, I experience nausea after remaining in one position—either standing or sitting— for 3 to 4 hours without moving. This nausea is often accompanied by a strange gagging feeling in my throat, particularly intensified after consuming soda or caffeine. Interestingly, once I lay flat on my back for about ten minutes, all my symptoms subside. I also discovered that I can drink soda while lying down without experiencing any negative effects. This situation is severely affecting my daily life, as the only way I can return to feeling like myself is by lying flat in bed; when upright, I frequently feel overheated, sweaty, and unwell. A peculiar occurrence is that while lying in bed, my eyes start to water, often producing tears without any emotional trigger, as it seems to happen unexpectedly. As for my medical history, I have been diagnosed with a variety of conditions, including ataxia, asthma, hyperlipidemia, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and bladder dysfunction. I have a follow-up meeting scheduled with my primary care physician next week, and I would appreciate any insights or advice on what might be happening with my symptoms and how to alleviate them.
Mysterious Illness Afflicting My Mother
My mother is a 55-year-old woman who relies solely on paracetamol for pain relief, as she has a deep-seated aversion to the NHS and is currently unable to work, thus avoiding private medical care. This disdain stems from unfortunate experiences, including a severe case of E. coli during a surgery and the onset of her current illness following a hepatitis vaccination. It has been nearly a decade since she received that shot, and shortly after, she began experiencing a decline in her health—she has become a staunch anti-vaccine advocate since then. Initially, her symptoms resembled acute rheumatoid arthritis, but her reluctance to consult a doctor, fueled by distrust, meant she suffered in silence. Over time, her condition has worsened immensely; her hands are nearly immobile due to swelling in the joints, and she struggles to walk, often dragging her feet across the floor. The simple act of leaving home has become a monumental challenge for her, and she is no longer able to drive. As the years passed, her situation deteriorated further—she now suffers from pronounced edema and what appears to be severe eczema, which she whimsically attributes to radiation from 5G technology. Maintaining a rigid diet has become crucial for her, as any deviation results in excruciating pain and an urgent need to use the restroom. Currently, a black mark has appeared on her leg, directly linked to her edema. I have never seen anyone in such a dire condition. Despite my concerns for her well-being, she flatly refuses to visit an NHS doctor, without exception. Recently, she granted me permission to find alternative pain medication beyond paracetamol or ibuprofen, indicating her growing desperation for relief. I am at a loss regarding her illness and fear for her life as she continues to endure significant pain. I wonder if there are ways to obtain specific medications without her having to see a doctor in person. Does anyone have insights into what might be afflicting her? I genuinely fear she may be suffering further harm in silence.
Anxiety Over Using Tap Water for Nasal Irrigation
A few nights ago, I experienced persistent nasal congestion, prompting me to try a nasal irrigation method. In a drowsy state, I inadvertently used tap water and later recognized my mistake—realizing that using untreated water was ill-advised. I made sure to blow my nose thoroughly and ceased the rinse immediately. Now, however, I find myself feeling anxious about the potential risk of Naegleria fowleri or Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM). Living in Texas, I know that while occurrences are not entirely absent, they remain quite rare. Most cases are linked to natural bodies of water. I even delved into local reports on water quality and chlorination to ease my worries, and I attempted to keep my mind engaged in different activities to divert my thoughts. It's important to mention that I have a history of health anxiety, but with therapy and medication, I've generally managed it well. Although this situation is outside my usual worries, the mere thought that there’s even a slight chance of infection, along with the two-week period for symptoms to manifest, has fueled my anxiety over recent days. I’m grateful to those who take the time to read and respond to my concerns. I recognize that I might be overreacting, but my fears can sometimes feel overwhelming. I hope to receive some insights or support to help me through this. For context: - Location: Northwest Houston, TX - Age: 29, Female - No significant medical issues or relevant family history - Diagnosed with anxiety/panic disorder and ADHD, under regular treatment for about eight years - No new or worsening symptoms other than anxiety itself
Understanding the Intensity of Psychological Distress
Have you ever experienced a sensation in your mind that feels like an overwhelming blaze? This description perfectly encapsulates my struggles over the past three years. At the age of 22, I believe I encountered a psychotic episode brought on by stress, marking the beginning of my turmoil. Residing in Sweden, my journey with substances began in adolescence. I started smoking cigarettes at 14 and progressed to recreational marijuana use at 17, often sharing a few joints daily with friends in a small circle. Mental health challenges have plagued me since childhood. From the age of four, I grappled with deep-seated depression, which I stubbornly refused to acknowledge, alongside crippling anxiety that manifested as a consistent heaviness in my chest. This discomfort became my 'normal.' My mind was a cacophony of voices, echoing relentlessly, all while my psychological state continued to deteriorate. It was already precarious, yet I never entertained suicidal ideation, nor did I seek professional help. In my social context, reaching out for assistance was tantamount to social death, perceived as an admission of defeat. Reflecting on my journey, I realize that I required support long before my earliest memories.