Can lupus cause low blood sugar and loss of consciousness or fainting?
Yes, lupus can contribute to low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), though it's not very common. This can happen in a few ways:
How lupus may cause low blood sugar:
* Rare autoantibodies that target insulin receptors, interfering with blood sugar regulation
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Can lupus cause low blood sugar and loss of consciousness or fainting?
Yes, lupus can contribute to low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), though it's not very common. This can happen in a few ways:
How lupus may cause low blood sugar:
* Rare autoantibodies that target insulin receptors, interfering with blood sugar regulation
* Antimalarial medications like Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine), which can occasionally cause hypoglycemia as a side effect
* Stopping corticosteroids suddenly after long-term use, since this can cause adrenal insufficiency and lead to low blood sugar
* Severe kidney failure related to lupus, which can make it harder for your body to regulate blood sugar
Some MyLupusTeam members have noticed hypoglycemia symptoms, particularly after starting medications like Plaquenil. Connection to fainting:
Fainting and dizziness can occur with lupus, but they're not always directly caused by it. These episodes can be related to:
* Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
* Anemia (low red blood cells), which affects about half of people with lupus
* Blood pressure problems
* Changes in the nervous system
* Rarely, seizures in people with neuropsychiatric lupus
If you're experiencing symptoms like shakiness, dizziness, or feeling like you might pass out, it's important to work with your healthcare team to identify the cause and get appropriate treatment.
October 26, 2025
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