Placebo-controlled weight-management trials in the Wegovy label (2.4 mg).
Why it happens
GLP-1 medicines boost insulin mostly when blood sugar is high, which is why low blood sugar is uncommon when they are used alone.
Insulin and sulfonylureas, such as glipizide or glyburide, push blood sugar down whether it is high or not. Labels note that the dose of these medicines may need to be lowered when a GLP-1 is added. Eating much less on a GLP-1 adds to the risk.
When it starts and fades
Risk is highest when a GLP-1 is first added to insulin or a sulfonylurea, and after dose increases, when appetite drops most.
People without diabetes who are not on these medicines are unlikely to have true hypoglycemia from a GLP-1 alone.
What helps
- Know the signs: shakiness, sweating, fast heartbeat, hunger, irritability, confusion or blurry vision.
- If you have a meter, check your blood sugar when symptoms appear.
- Keep fast sugar on hand, like glucose tablets or 4 ounces of juice.
- Use the 15-15 rule for mild lows: about 15 grams of fast sugar, then recheck in 15 minutes.
- Tell your prescriber about every diabetes medicine you take before starting a GLP-1.
- Do not skip meals for long stretches if you take insulin or a sulfonylurea.
How to use it
- Enter your numbers. Switch between US and metric units at any time.
- Results update as you type, and the formula is shown so you can check it.
- Copy the link, save the plan on this device, or print it for your next appointment.
These are estimates, not a diagnosis. A clinician can account for your health history and medicines.
Other Wegovy side effects
Common questions
How common is low blood sugar on Wegovy?
In the trials behind the label, 6% (people with type 2 diabetes) of people on Wegovy reported it, vs 2% on placebo.
Can Ozempic cause low blood sugar?
It is uncommon alone, but the risk rises if you also take insulin or a sulfonylurea. Your prescriber may adjust those doses.
Can I get low blood sugar on Zepbound without diabetes?
It is unlikely when Zepbound is used without insulin or sulfonylureas. Shakiness on a GLP-1 may also come from eating very little.
What is a normal blood sugar range?
Fasting levels for most adults without diabetes are about 70 to 99 mg/dL. Your care team may set different targets if you have diabetes.
Sources
Clinician review pending. Drafted from primary sources and waiting for sign-off by a licensed clinician (MD, DO or PharmD) before launch. Every number is checked against its source. Drug facts are re-checked quarterly, prices monthly and whenever a label changes. How we review · Report an error