What is low blood sugar for diabetics?

Low blood sugar is characterized by blood glucose levels below 70 milligrams per deciliter, notes the United States National Institutes of Health. Medically referred to as "hypoglycemia," this condition normally occurs in diabetics.

Constant monitoring is essential to ensure blood glucose levels remain optimal for diabetics to prevent a hypoglycemic attack. Diabetics are more likely to have low blood sugar if they are taking certain medications to treat the disease, including insulin, glipizide, repaglinide, glyburide, nateglinide and chlorpropamide.

Symptoms of hypoglycemia may manifest immediately, which may include agitation, lightheadedness, clamminess, chills, hunger, rapid heartbeat, drowsiness, impaired vision, headaches, exhaustion, trembling, convulsions and temporary loss of consciousness, lists the American Diabetes Organization. In severe cases of low blood sugar, diabetics may suffer accidents, trauma, coma and even loss of life.