Dialysis Technician Practice Exam

What is the medical term for low blood sugar levels?

1. Hypoglycemia

2. Hyperglycemia

3. Hyperinsulinemia

4. Diabetes Mellitus

The correct answer is: Hypoglycemia

The medical term for low blood sugar levels is hypoglycemia. This condition occurs when the glucose levels in the blood fall below the normal range, leading to symptoms such as shakiness, sweating, confusion, and in severe cases, loss of consciousness. It is critical for individuals, especially those managing diabetes, to maintain their blood sugar within a balanced range to avoid the complications associated with both low and high blood sugar levels. Hyperglycemia refers to high blood sugar levels, which is the opposite of hypoglycemia and is typically linked to diabetes. Hyperinsulinemia is characterized by an excess of insulin in the bloodstream, which can sometimes lead to hypoglycemia, but it does not directly describe low blood sugar levels. Diabetes Mellitus is a chronic condition that involves problems with insulin production and can lead to both hyperglycemia and potential hypoglycemic episodes, but it is not a term that specifically denotes low blood sugar. Thus, hypoglycemia is the precise term for low blood sugar levels.