Hypoglycemia may mask, exaggerate or model other symptoms, particularly emotional reactions, and must be addressed first for subsequent therapies to be effective. Physiological symptoms may include faintness, dizziness, weakness, cravings for sweets, lack of hunger, lack of concentration, shakiness, nausea, emotional instability, mood swings or a general inability to function clearly.

Alternating blood sugar drops and adrenaline rushes can create an inordinate amount of physical fatigue and stress, including depression. This can influence the way the brain processes information, promoting irrationality, inferential suspicion, suggestibility, exaggerated mood swings, feelings of lack of control and interference with logical reasoning.