Diabetes-Related Seizure (Diabetic Seizure): What Causes It, Warning Signs, First Aid, Treatment and Prevention — What You Need to Know
Updated: 6 days ago
Medically reviewed by Dr. Baraa Alnahhal, MD | Last reviewed: October 7, 2026
Get emergency medical help now. If you have diabetes and experience a seizure — or someone with diabetes seizes near you — call 911 (or your local emergency services number) right away. Getting blood sugar back into a healthy range quickly can prevent serious complications, including brain damage. Do not wait to see if the person recovers on their own.
Quick Answer
A diabetes-related seizure is a seizure triggered by extremely low or high blood sugar, which disrupts normal brain activity. Low blood sugar seizures are more common, while high blood sugar seizures are rare. [1] Warning signs include shaking, sweating, confusion and vision changes. [1] Anyone with diabetes who has a seizure needs emergency care, and keeping blood sugar in range prevents them.
What the research says
Most pooled evidence on high-blood-sugar seizures comes from case reports. A systematic review of 130 publications covering 332 patients with non-ketotic hyperglycemia–related seizures found focal motor seizures were the most common type (49.4%) and mean blood glucose at presentation was 529.7 mg/dL. Anti-seizure medicines were given in 54.2% of cases but achieved seizure control in only 18.3%, and the authors note that treatment centers on correcting the underlying metabolic disorder (Licchetta et al., Seizure, 2023) [2].
Brain MRI often shows a recognizable pattern. In a retrospective study of six patients with hyperglycemia-induced seizures, MRI showed subcortical T2 hypointensity in 83.3%, cortical hyperintensity in all patients, and restricted diffusion in 66.6%, with the posterior brain regions most often involved (Hiremath et al., Indian Journal of Radiology and Imaging, 2019) [3].
Blood sugar and seizures influence each other. A narrative review reports that hyperglycemia is linked with higher seizure susceptibility, and that convulsive seizures can themselves disturb blood glucose through stress hormones, insulin resistance and autonomic nervous system dysregulation (Nadeem et al., Cureus, 2023) [4].
What is a diabetes-related seizure?
Diabetes-related seizures are seizures you can have when you have extremely low or high blood sugar levels. A seizure temporarily disrupts normal brain activity. It causes symptoms like uncontrollable movements, confusion or loss of consciousness. [1]
You need immediate medical care if you have diabetes and experience a seizure. [1] Getting your blood sugar in a healthy range quickly can help prevent serious complications, like brain damage.
What causes a diabetes-related seizure?
The two causes are hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and hyperglycemia (high blood sugar). Seizures from low blood sugar are more common than seizures from high blood sugar. [1]
Cause | How common | Mechanism |
Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) | More common cause of diabetic seizures | Your brain needs glucose (sugar) to work. When it does not have enough glucose, electrical disturbances occur. Brain cells cannot process signals and begin acting erratically, which can trigger a seizure. |
Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) | Rare cause of diabetic seizures | Too much glucose changes the balance of electrolytes in your body. This disrupts how your brain works and can lead to a seizure. |
Why does low blood sugar cause seizures?
Your brain needs glucose (sugar) to work. When your brain does not have enough glucose, it can lead to electrical disturbances. The cells of your brain cannot process signals and begin acting erratically. This can trigger a seizure. [1]
Why does high blood sugar cause seizures — is it rare?
Having a seizure due to high blood sugar is rare. Too much glucose changes the balance of electrolytes in your body. This can disrupt how your brain works and lead to a seizure. [1]
What are the warning signs of a diabetes-related seizure?
It can look different for everyone. Common symptoms that occur just before a seizure may include shaking or jerky movements, sweating, confusion, changes in mood or behavior and vision changes. [1]
Timing | Symptoms |
Before a seizure (warning signs) | Shaking or jerky movements; sweating; confusion; changes in mood or behavior; vision changes |
During a seizure | Biting your tongue or clenching your teeth; fainting or passing out; losing bladder and bowel control |
Recognizing the early warning signs matters: that way, if another seizure were to happen, your loved ones know exactly what to do.
What are the risk factors for a diabetes-related seizure?
The biggest risk factor is letting your blood sugar get too low. [1] Work with your healthcare provider on ways you can keep your blood sugar in a healthy range.
Risk-reduction step | What it involves |
Regular blood sugar monitoring | Check your levels consistently so extremes are caught early |
Medication and insulin discipline | Take your diabetes medication and insulin exactly as prescribed |
Nutrition and activity | Eat healthy, nutritious foods and exercise regularly |
What are the complications of a diabetes-related seizure?
A diabetes-related seizure is serious. It can cause several complications.
Complication | Detail |
Loss of consciousness or coma | The seizure or the underlying blood sugar extreme can progress to coma |
Injuries from losing consciousness | Examples include falling down the steps or having a car accident |
Brain damage | Possible if blood sugar is not restored to a healthy range quickly |
How do doctors diagnose a diabetes-related seizure?
Healthcare providers can usually diagnose a diabetes-related seizure by checking your blood sugar after a seizure. They will find that your blood sugar is too low or too high. [1]
They may also order the following tests to check brain function or rule out any other conditions.
Test | Purpose |
CT scan or MRI | Checks brain function; rules out other conditions |
EEG | Evaluates brain electrical activity |
Blood tests | Assesses blood sugar and related levels |
From there, your provider may ask you about how you manage diabetes. They will ask if you missed your medication, took too much insulin or skipped a meal. [1] All of these pieces can help them figure out what led to the unsafe blood sugar level. This is an important part of preventing a seizure from happening again.
How is a diabetes-related seizure treated?
Getting your blood sugar in a healthy range is the first step in treatment. Treatment differs depending on whether the seizure was caused by low or high blood sugar. [1]
Situation | Treatment |
Seizure from low blood sugar (more common) | Raise blood sugar quickly. If you are still conscious, you may receive candy, glucose tablets or fruit juice. If you have lost consciousness or cannot swallow, your provider will give you a glucagon injection. IV fluids with glucose are also an option if you are in the hospital. |
Seizure from high blood sugar (rare) | Your healthcare team will lower your blood sugar slowly and safely with insulin. They will probably also give you IV fluids to help with electrolyte imbalance. |
After blood sugar stabilizes | Your team monitors you closely and works to find the underlying cause of the seizure — how much insulin you take, which medications you take and what your daily habits are for managing diabetes. They make changes to your medication or insulin and work with you to prevent high or low blood sugar levels in the future. |
How do I help someone having a diabetes-related seizure?
Try to remain as calm as you can if a loved one experiences a diabetes-related seizure. Call 911 (or your emergency services number) and then do the following.
Put the person on their side.
Don’t put anything near their mouth.
Remove eyeglasses or objects from around their neck. If the person has prescribed glucagon and you have been shown how to use it, give it, and do not give food or drink until they are awake and able to swallow safely.
What can I expect after a diabetes-related seizure?
After a diabetes-related seizure, your healthcare provider will work with you to make sure your insulin and medications are at the right dosages. They will talk to you about checking your blood sugar regularly, especially before activities that cause your blood sugar to drop. [1] The goal is to prevent another seizure from happening.
Let close friends, family and coworkers know that you have had a diabetes-related seizure. Your provider may recommend that they know exactly what to do if a seizure happens again. It may be a good idea to wear a medical ID bracelet. [1] It can be your voice if you are in an emergency and alone.
When should I see my healthcare provider after a diabetes-related seizure?
Contact your provider if you have diabetes and experience a seizure. Your provider needs to know so they can adjust your treatment. [1] You should also contact them about any recurring warning signs — repeated episodes of shaking, sweating, confusion, mood changes or vision changes — even if a full seizure has not occurred.
How can I prevent a diabetes-related seizure?
The best thing you can do is keep your blood sugar levels in a typical range. [1] Work with your healthcare team to make sure you know exactly how to do this. Be sure to ask them questions about complications from diabetes and how to prevent them.
Prevention step | Detail |
Keep blood sugar in a healthy range | The single most effective prevention measure |
Monitor blood sugar regularly | Especially before activities that cause blood sugar to drop |
Take medication and insulin as prescribed | Missing doses or taking too much insulin are common triggers |
Eat nutritious food and exercise regularly | Supports stable blood sugar day to day |
Educate your circle | Tell close friends, family and coworkers what to do if a seizure happens |
Wear a medical ID bracelet | “It can be your voice if you’re in an emergency and alone” |
What the clinical experts say. “Having a diabetes-related seizure can be scary for you and your loved ones. The best thing you can do is keep your blood sugar levels in a typical range. Work with your healthcare team to make sure you know exactly how to do this. Be sure to ask them questions about complications from diabetes and how to prevent them. Recognizing the signs of a seizure can also be helpful. That way, if another seizure were to happen, your loved ones know exactly what to do.” — Cleveland Clinic
The Bottom Line: What You Need to Know About Diabetes-Related Seizures
A diabetes-related seizure is a medical emergency driven by extreme blood sugar — dangerously low in most cases, dangerously high in rare ones. Because your brain depends on glucose to function, letting blood sugar drop too far can cause brain cells to misfire and trigger a seizure. The warning signs — shaking, sweating, confusion, mood changes, vision changes — are the window in which action can stop a seizure before it starts.
The stakes are real: complications include loss of consciousness, coma, injuries from falls or accidents, and brain damage. [1] But the condition is largely preventable. Regular monitoring, taking insulin and medication exactly as prescribed, and a healthy routine of food and exercise keep blood sugar in the safe zone where seizures do not happen.
If you or someone with diabetes has a seizure, call 911 immediately. Afterward, contact your healthcare provider so your treatment plan can be adjusted to make sure it never happens again — and make sure the people closest to you know the three first aid steps and what a medical ID bracelet is for.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is a diabetes-related seizure?
A diabetes-related seizure is a seizure you can have when your blood sugar gets extremely low or extremely high, disrupting your brain’s electrical activity. It causes symptoms like uncontrollable movements, confusion or loss of consciousness.
Can diabetes cause seizures?
Yes. Both extremely low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and extremely high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) can lead to a seizure in someone with diabetes.
Does low blood sugar cause seizures?
Yes. Seizures from low blood sugar are more common. Your brain needs glucose to work; without enough, electrical disturbances occur and brain cells begin acting erratically, which can trigger a seizure.
Does high blood sugar cause seizures?
Yes, but seizures from high blood sugar are rare. Too much glucose changes the balance of electrolytes in your body, which can disrupt how your brain works and lead to a seizure.
Which is more common — hypoglycemia seizures or hyperglycemia seizures?
Seizures from low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) are more common. Seizures from high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) are rare.
What does a diabetic seizure look like?
It can look different for everyone. During a seizure you may have uncontrollable movements, bite your tongue or clench your teeth, faint or pass out, and lose bladder and bowel control.
What are the warning signs before a diabetic seizure?
Common symptoms just before a seizure include shaking or jerky movements, sweating, confusion, changes in mood or behavior and vision changes.
Can a diabetic seizure cause brain damage?
Yes. A diabetes-related seizure is serious, and complications can include loss of consciousness or coma, injuries from losing consciousness, and brain damage. Getting blood sugar in a healthy range quickly helps prevent these complications.
What happens if blood sugar gets too low and you have a seizure?
A seizure due to extremely low blood sugar requires immediate emergency care. In the hospital, blood sugar is raised quickly with candy, glucose tablets or fruit juice if you are conscious, or a glucagon injection if you have lost consciousness or cannot swallow.
Is a diabetic seizure a medical emergency?
Yes. You need immediate medical care if you have diabetes and experience a seizure. Getting your blood sugar in a healthy range quickly can help prevent serious complications, like brain damage.
What should you do if someone with diabetes has a seizure?
Call 911 (or your local emergency services number) first. Then put the person on their side, do not put anything near their mouth, and remove eyeglasses or objects from around their neck.
Should you put something in a seizing person’s mouth?
No. Do not put anything near their mouth during a seizure.
How do you raise blood sugar after a low blood sugar seizure?
If the person is still conscious, they may receive candy, glucose tablets or fruit juice. If they have lost consciousness or cannot swallow, a glucagon injection is given. IV fluids with glucose are also an option in the hospital.
How is a high blood sugar seizure treated?
Your healthcare team will lower your blood sugar slowly and safely with insulin, and will probably give you IV fluids to help with electrolyte imbalance.
How is a diabetes-related seizure diagnosed?
Providers usually diagnose it by checking your blood sugar after a seizure — it will be too low or too high. They may also order a CT scan or MRI, an EEG and blood tests to check brain function or rule out other conditions.
What tests rule out other causes of a seizure?
A CT scan or MRI, an EEG and blood tests can check brain function and rule out conditions other than a blood sugar extreme.
What causes blood sugar to reach seizure levels?
Common triggers include missed medication, taking too much insulin or skipping a meal. Letting blood sugar get too low is the biggest risk factor.
Can you prevent a diabetic seizure?
Yes. Keeping your blood sugar in a healthy range is the key: monitor levels regularly, take medication and insulin exactly as prescribed, eat healthy nutritious foods and exercise regularly.
Should I wear a medical ID if I have diabetes?
It may be a good idea to wear a medical ID bracelet. It can be your voice if you are in an emergency and alone.
Who should I tell if I have had a diabetic seizure?
Let close friends, family and coworkers know that you have had a diabetes-related seizure. Your provider may recommend that they know exactly what to do if a seizure happens again.
What happens after a diabetic seizure?
Your provider will make sure your insulin and medications are at the right dosages and discuss checking your blood sugar regularly, especially before activities that cause it to drop. The goal is to prevent another seizure from happening.
Can a skipped meal cause a diabetic seizure?
Skipping a meal can contribute to unsafe blood sugar levels, which can lead to a seizure. Providers ask about skipped meals, missed medication and insulin dosing to figure out what led to the seizure.
Can too much insulin cause a seizure?
Taking too much insulin can push blood sugar dangerously low, which is the most common cause of diabetes-related seizures.
Should I check my blood sugar before exercise?
Your provider will talk to you about checking your blood sugar regularly, especially before activities that cause your blood sugar to drop.
When should I call my doctor after a seizure?
Contact your provider if you have diabetes and experience a seizure. Your provider needs to know so they can adjust your treatment.
Can diabetic seizures be cured?
There is no separate “cure” — the goal is prevention. Once blood sugar is stabilized and the underlying cause (medication, insulin dosing, habits) is corrected, the aim is to keep levels in a healthy range so another seizure never happens.
Related reading on Rinnit
Sources
Cleveland Clinic. Diabetes-Related Seizure. Cleveland Clinic. Last updated December 16, 2025. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/diabetic-seizure
Licchetta L, Ferri L, Morsillo F, et al. Clinical characterization of non-ketotic hyperglycemia-related seizures: a systematic review and individual participant data meta-analysis. Seizure. 2023;106:50-57. PMID 36773573. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seizure.2023.01.018
Hiremath SB, Gautam AA, George PJ, et al. Hyperglycemia-induced seizures: understanding the clinico-radiological association. Indian J Radiol Imaging. 2019;29(4):343-349. PMID 31949334. https://doi.org/10.4103/ijri.IJRI_344_19
Nadeem MD, Memon S, Qureshi K, et al. Seizing the connection: exploring the interplay between epilepsy and glycemic control in diabetes management. Cureus. 2023;15(9):e45606. PMID 37868449. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.45606
Gorijala VK, Shaik L, Kowtha P, et al. A case report of nonketotic hyperglycemic seizures: a diagnostic dilemma. Cureus. 2020;12(11):e11416. PMID 33312812. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.11416
Thu WM, Zaw HH. Hyperglycaemia-related visual seizure. Eur J Case Rep Intern Med. 2023;10(7):003952. PMID 37455689. https://doi.org/10.12890/2023_003952
Medical disclaimer
This article is provided for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. A seizure in a person with diabetes is a medical emergency — call 911 or your local emergency services number immediately. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider about your individual condition.
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