Can Type 2 diabetes make you dizzy? If you’ve been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, listening to your body - paying attention to any symptoms you might experience - will be important in managing your health. Dizziness is definitely a sign that something isn’t as it should be, but there are multiple reasons why people with Type 2 diabetes might feel dizzy.

Before we take a closer look at Type 2 diabetes and dizziness and what to do about it, let’s sum up the reasons why it can occur:

  • Dizziness because of dehydration (related to high blood sugar levels)
  • Dizziness because of low blood sugar levels
  • Dizziness as a side effect of certain medications
  • Very high or low blood pressure
  • Ear problems
  • Health issues that aren’t related to your diabetes at all

Dizziness as a Symptom of Type 2 Diabetes and Dizziness From High Blood Sugar Levels

Apart from those who have already been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, there are many people out there who have untreated Type 2 diabetes. It will make its presence felt over time, and dizziness is among the symptoms you might experience. If you’re worried that you may have Type 2 diabetes and are experiencing one or more of its symptoms, consult your doctor.

In untreated Type 2 diabetes, or among people who know they have this condition, dizziness can be a result of elevated blood sugar levels. Let’s look at why this occurs.

Dizziness, High Blood Sugar Levels And Dehydration

When your blood sugar levels rise too high, you will urinate more frequently. This is called polyurea. The simplest way to explain this is that your kidneys are working overtime to filter your blood, so you’ll need to pee more often.

But your body also needs water for its basic functions, so you become thirsty. However, most of the water you drink goes into urine production, so you end up dehydrated despite drinking more water. Dehydration, in turn, makes you feel dizzy. But don’t just assume that your blood sugar levels have risen too high because you’re dizzy - dizziness can be a symptom of very low blood sugar levels too.

Type 2 Diabetes, Dizziness And Low Blood Sugar Levels

Diabetes management is a matter of balance. Although high blood sugar levels are dangerous, low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can be very risky too. Missed meals, insufficient or poorly absorbed carbohydrates, alcohol, increased sensitivity to insulin, too much insulin, or unaccustomed exercise are among the reasons why your blood sugar levels may fall below healthy levels, which can lead to dizziness.

Are you Checking Your Blood Sugar? These Tips Might Help

Not all people with Type 2 diabetes need to check their blood sugar levels, but frequent dizziness may be a sign that you should - your doctor will be able to analyse your situation.

If you are monitoring your blood sugar and notice that it’s too high, you can try the following things:

  • Drink lots of water or other hydrating fluids
  • Burn some sugar by moving about
  • Use extra insulin (if this has been prescribed and you have the necessary instructions)

If, on the other hand, you know that your blood sugar is too low and have the means to monitor it, you can try implementing the 15-15 rule for raising blood sugar.

Eat 15 grams of carbs and check your blood sugar after 15 minutes. Repeat until you reach the target range. You will need rapidly absorbable sugars, for example:

  • Half a cup of fruit juice
  • A tablespoon of honey or sugar
  • Glucose tablets (use according to instructions)
  • Glucose gel (as recommended)

Severe hypoglycemia means that you may need a medication called Glucagon. If your doctor believes you are at risk, you should have received a prescription and instructions on when and how to use it. Be sure that family members have this information so that they can help you if you lose consciousness.

Dizziness as a Side Effect of Certain Medications

Some medications can cause dizziness - but you should never change your treatment schedule or stop taking medication without consulting your doctor first. Even if you’re reasonably sure that your dizziness comes from blood sugar fluctuations, or a medication you’re using, trying to adjust your own treatment schedule without a go-ahead from your doctor can be extremely dangerous.

Dizzy and Don’t Know Why? It May Not Be Your Blood Sugar or Your Meds

Managing your health by guesswork is definitely not a good idea. And, if you aren’t monitoring your blood sugar levels, trying to pin down the reasons for your dizziness without expert help amounts to nothing less than guesswork. You could also be checking your blood sugar because you feel dizzy, but can’t see anything wrong with it. This brings us to our next point.

There are additional reasons why you might feel dizzy - and not all of them are directly related to Type 2 diabetes. However, there are other diabetes-related complications that might be causing it. Blood pressure that’s too high or too low is among these.

Two thirds of people with diabetes need medication for high blood pressure, and like managing your blood sugar, blood pressure management is a balancing act. Your meds may need adjustment if your blood pressure is getting too low, or you may need treatment or adjustments to treatment if it’s tending to be too high. This is not something you should try to DIY.

When You Should See a Doctor

Feeling a little light-headed once in a blue moon probably isn’t something to worry about, but if your dizziness is frequent or you’ve experienced severe dizziness, you should definitely see a doctor about it.

You may need more assistance in managing your diabetes, or there may be some other reason why you’re getting dizzy spells. Either way, it will be important to resolve it since it affects your health, your safety (never drive when you’re dizzy), and your quality of life.

Constant, severe dizziness that lasts for hours without stopping can be a sign of a stroke and you should speak to a doctor urgently, especially if you have any other problems with numbness, weakness or difficulty speaking.

Have Diabetes? You Don’t Need to Be a Worst-Case Scenario

Diabetes symptoms and complications should always be taken seriously, but that doesn’t mean you have to give up on leading a healthy and productive life. Good diabetes management is within your reach, and working towards that benefits you and the people who love you most.

However, life can be something of a gamble at the best of times, and you might find yourself worrying about your family’s future. Blueberry Life consists of a team of doctors and insurance specialists who can help you get peace of mind about your family’s financial security - even if the worst were to happen. Find out more about life insurance for people living with chronic conditions, like Type 2 diabetes and get quick approval and reasonable life insurance premiums through us. All it takes is the completion of a straightforward application form. We have you covered!

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Reviewed by Dr. Kingshuk Pal