What is the medical term for low blood sugar in diabetes?

• A. Hypoglycemia (insulin shock)
• B. Hyperglycemia
• C. Dehydration
• D. Ketoacidosis

Answer: (A)

Low blood sugar in diabetes is called hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia means the glucose in the blood has dropped too low, typically below about 70 mg/dL, and can happen when too much insulin or certain diabetes medications are present, or when a meal is missed or exercise is more than planned. This term specifically describes the lack of glucose available for the body's tissues, especially the brain, which relies on glucose for energy.

Hyperglycemia would be high blood sugar, not low. Dehydration is a fluid deficit that can accompany various conditions but does not define low glucose. Ketoacidosis is a dangerous complication usually associated with high blood glucose and ketone buildup, not low glucose. The older phrase insulin shock may be used in some contexts, but the precise medical term for low blood sugar is hypoglycemia.