Which term means low sugar in the blood?

Which term means low sugar in the blood?

• A. Hyperglycemia
• B. Hypoxia
• C. Hypoglycemia
• D. Hematemesis

Answer: (C)

Low blood sugar is called hypoglycemia. The prefix hypo- means low, gly- refers to glucose (sugar), and -emia means in the blood. This term specifically describes a drop in blood glucose, unlike hyperglycemia, which means high blood sugar (hyper- = high). The other terms refer to different problems: hypoxia is too little oxygen reaching tissues, and hematemesis is vomiting blood. In practice, hypoglycemia can occur with missed meals, insulin overdose, or certain illnesses and is managed by supplying a glucose source or IV dextrose as appropriate.

Low blood sugar is called hypoglycemia. The prefix hypo- means low, gly- refers to glucose (sugar), and -emia means in the blood. This term specifically describes a drop in blood glucose, unlike hyperglycemia, which means high blood sugar (hyper- = high). The other terms refer to different problems: hypoxia is too little oxygen reaching tissues, and hematemesis is vomiting blood. In practice, hypoglycemia can occur with missed meals, insulin overdose, or certain illnesses and is managed by supplying a glucose source or IV dextrose as appropriate.