Sweden’s New Health Minister Faints at First Press Briefing, Cites Hypoglycemia

Stockholm, Sweden, September 11, 2025 – Sweden’s new Health Minister, Elisabet Sara Lann, fainted during her inaugural press briefing and later explained that the episode was caused by low blood sugar.

The sudden episode took place on stage in full view of journalists, senior government representatives, and Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson.

Elisabet Lann (48), fainted during the live press conference on Tuesday, which also marked as her first day in office.

While answering questions alongside Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and Christian Democrats leader Ebba Busch, she suddenly collapsed.

Video footage shows her slowly leaning forward, losing consciousness, and knocking over a translucent podium.

During the press conference, Lann’s sudden collapse prompted immediate action from co-panelists and medical staff present at the venue.

She was quickly supported to prevent further injury and attended to by staff until she regained consciousness, the rapid response of bystanders ensured her safety.

Elisabet Lann took charge as Sweden’s new Health Minister following Acko Ankarberg Johansson’s resignation on September 8.

A long-time member of the Christian Democrats, Lann started her political career as a municipal councillor in Gothenburg in 2019 and later contributed to the Health Care Responsibility Inquiry panel.

She holds a Master’s degree in Peace and Development Studies and previously served as Deputy Director in the Swedish Cabinet Office, bringing both administrative and policy expertise to her new role.

Glucose is the brain’s primary fuel. When blood sugar drops sharply, the brain cannot function effectively, leading to dizziness, confusion, blurred vision, or in severe cases, loss of consciousness.

Clinical reviews in Endotext and StatPearls emphasize that non-diabetic hypoglycemia, while uncommon, is a recognized clinical condition requiring systematic evaluation and management. ¹ ²

Not your Usual Tuesday

Elisabet rejoined the press soon after and explained that the incident was caused by low blood sugar. “This was not exactly a normal Tuesday, and this is what can happen when you have a blood sugar drop,” she told the audience.

A review in Journal of Clinical Medicine (2025) explains that adults without diabetes can develop hypoglycemia from fasting, alcohol intake, critical illness, or hormone deficiencies.³

References

1. Service, F. J., and C. Cryer. “Non-Diabetic Hypoglycemia.” Endotext, last updated April 11, 2016. NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279135/.

2. Fong, J., and T. Khan. “Non-Diabetic Hypoglycemia.” StatPearls, last updated July 24, 2023. NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK573079/.

3. Looi, E., and H. M. Lawler. “Non-Diabetic Hypoglycemia: Evaluation and Management in Adults.” Journal of Clinical Medicine 14, no. 2 (2025): 367. MDPI. https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/14/2/367.

(Rh/Eth/ARC/MSM)