What is hypoglycemia?

Prepare for the PLTW Biomedical Science Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question comes with hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Multiple Choice

What is hypoglycemia?

Explanation:
Hypoglycemia means abnormally low blood sugar. The word parts help remember it: hypo- means low, glyc- refers to sugar (glucose), and -emia means in the blood. So it’s the medical term for a low level of glucose in the blood, which can happen in people taking insulin or certain diabetes meds, after skipping meals, or with excessive exercise. It’s different from high blood sugar (hyperglycemia), dehydration, or insulin resistance, which are separate conditions. If someone experiences hypoglycemia, quick-acting carbohydrates are typically needed to raise blood glucose promptly.

Hypoglycemia means abnormally low blood sugar. The word parts help remember it: hypo- means low, glyc- refers to sugar (glucose), and -emia means in the blood. So it’s the medical term for a low level of glucose in the blood, which can happen in people taking insulin or certain diabetes meds, after skipping meals, or with excessive exercise. It’s different from high blood sugar (hyperglycemia), dehydration, or insulin resistance, which are separate conditions. If someone experiences hypoglycemia, quick-acting carbohydrates are typically needed to raise blood glucose promptly.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy