Overview
Use this article to recognise the symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) while taking Mounjaro® or Wegovy®, learn how to treat a drop in blood sugar levels immediately, and understand when to seek further medical advice.
Use this article when you want to:
Identify the symptoms of low blood sugar
Learn how to treat a drop in blood sugar levels immediately
Understand when to seek medical advice from a GP or emergency services
Why Does Low Blood Sugar Happen While Taking Mounjaro® or Wegovy®?
Low blood sugar, also known as hypoglycaemia, is an uncommon side effect of weight loss medications, affecting fewer than 1 in 100 people who do not have type 2 diabetes. However, hypoglycaemia is more likely to affect patients with type 2 diabetes, especially those taking other glucose-lowering medications such as insulin or a sulphonylurea.
Symptoms of Low Blood Sugar
Common symptoms of hypoglycaemia while taking Mounjaro® or Wegovy® include:
Physical sensations: Sweating, shaking, heart palpitations, or tingling lips.
Cognitive and mood changes: Confusion, anxiety, irritability, or feeling weak and tired.
Physical signs: Hunger, dizziness, or changes in vision (such as blurred vision).
What to Do If You Experience Low Blood Sugar
If you experience symptoms of hypoglycaemia, take the following steps straight away to raise your blood sugar levels safely:
Treat the low blood sugar straight away: Consume something sugary that is absorbed quickly. Examples include:
A small glass of fruit juice.
A sugary (non-diet) fizzy drink.
Glucose tablets.
A few sweets.
Follow up once symptoms improve: Once you begin to feel better, eat a longer-lasting carbohydrate to help keep your blood sugar levels steady. Examples include:
A slice of bread.
A few biscuits.
If your symptoms don't improve after following these steps, or you're unsure what to do, call NHS 111 for advice.
When to Contact Your GP
If you experience frequent episodes of low blood sugar while using Mounjaro® or Wegovy®, it's important to speak to your GP to review your health and any other medications you may be taking. When speaking to your GP, make sure to tell them that you are taking a weight loss medication such as Mounjaro® or Wegovy®.
When to Seek Urgent Medical Help
In rare cases, severe hypoglycaemia can lead to a loss of consciousness. This is a medical emergency.
Call 999 or go to your nearest A&E immediately if:
You suspect someone has very low blood sugar.
The person is not responding normally or has lost consciousness.
When speaking with emergency services, make sure to disclose that the individual is taking weight loss medication (Mounjaro® or Wegovy®).