What are the main signs and symptoms of reactive hypoglycemia?

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    Last Updated: May 16, 2025

    Reactive hypoglycemia shares symptoms with mild hypoglycemia — including heart palpitations, tremors, anxiety, and nausea — due to autonomic nervous system activation. As blood glucose levels drop further, additional symptoms such as vision disturbances, cognitive changes, and seizures may occur.

    RH shares characteristic symptoms with mild hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), which stem from the activation of the autonomic nervous system and may include the following symptoms: heart palpitations, pale skin, tremors, high blood pressure, anxiety, perspiration, hunger, nausea, and/or the sensation of “pins and needles”.[1][2]

    As blood glucose levels dip below the concentrations needed to power vital organs (50 mg/dL), vision disturbances, cognitive changes, mood changes, lightheadedness, fatigue, headache, and seizures may occur.[3][4][2]