Patients with diabetes should be on high alert for hypoglycaemia if they suddenly experience symptoms such as panic, shortness of breath and chest tightness. As hypoglycaemia is a clinical emergency, those who are able to do so should monitor their blood glucose and then actively replenish it with sugar water and bread.
Hypoglycaemia is often caused by irregular diet or inappropriate use of hypoglycaemic medication and can often be relieved with sugar supplementation. It is also important to note that shortness of breath can also occur in acute illnesses such as ketoacidosis caused by severe hyperglycaemia and should be distinguished from hypoglycaemia with care.