Hypoglycemia is defined as which of the following?

Hypoglycemia is defined as which of the following?

• A. Elevated blood sugar
• B. Abnormally low blood sugar
• C. Normal blood sugar
• D. Fluctuating blood sugar

Answer: (B)

Hypoglycemia means the glucose level in the blood is too low. The prefix hypo- signals “low,” and glycemia refers to blood sugar, so it’s the opposite of elevated blood sugar. In practice, this is often defined as a blood glucose level falling below about 70 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L). It contrasts with hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) and with normal blood sugar levels. For massage therapists, understanding this is important because clients with diabetes or on glucose-lowering meds can become hypoglycemic during a session, which can cause symptoms like shakiness, sweating, confusion, or dizziness. If hypoglycemia is suspected, stop the treatment and, if appropriate and the person can swallow, provide a quick source of sugar and monitor the client, seeking medical advice if symptoms persist or worsen.

Hypoglycemia means the glucose level in the blood is too low. The prefix hypo- signals “low,” and glycemia refers to blood sugar, so it’s the opposite of elevated blood sugar. In practice, this is often defined as a blood glucose level falling below about 70 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L). It contrasts with hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) and with normal blood sugar levels. For massage therapists, understanding this is important because clients with diabetes or on glucose-lowering meds can become hypoglycemic during a session, which can cause symptoms like shakiness, sweating, confusion, or dizziness. If hypoglycemia is suspected, stop the treatment and, if appropriate and the person can swallow, provide a quick source of sugar and monitor the client, seeking medical advice if symptoms persist or worsen.