What are the signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia?

Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, manifests with a variety of signs and symptoms primarily due to the body's response to insufficient glucose for brain function. The presence of confusion, shakiness, sweating, palpitations, and irritability are classic signs that indicate the body is reacting to low glucose levels and that the sympathetic nervous system is activated.

• Confusion can occur as the brain struggles to function without adequate glucose, which is its primary energy source.

• Shakiness and sweating are typical physiological responses driven by the release of adrenaline, which aims to raise blood sugar levels.

• Palpitations are a result of increased heart rate triggered by adrenaline, as the body prepares to respond to what it perceives as a stressor.

• Irritability can emerge because low glucose levels can affect mood and cognitive function, leading to frustration or anger.

These symptoms collectively paint a picture of the body's metabolic distress during hypoglycemia, emphasizing the urgency of addressing the condition to restore blood sugar levels and prevent more severe complications, such as seizures or loss of consciousness. Each option presented outlines different sets of symptoms; however, option B distinctly aligns with the physiological responses indicative of hypoglycemia.