What is a classic sign of hypoglycemia?

Study for the FISDAP Medical Paramedic Test. Prepare with detailed content and interactive questions that offer explanations. Excel in your exam!

A classic sign of hypoglycemia is cool, clammy skin. When blood glucose levels drop significantly, the body responds by activating the sympathetic nervous system, leading to symptoms such as sweating and shivering, which can create that clammy sensation on the skin. Additionally, the skin may feel cooler than usual due to peripheral vasoconstriction as the body prioritizes blood flow to vital organs.

The other signs associated with hypoglycemia often include confusion, weakness, irritability, and hunger, rather than thirst, which is more indicative of hyperglycemia or dehydration. Rapid breathing is also not a typical response to low blood sugar; rather, it is often seen in conditions like metabolic acidosis. A high blood glucose level would indicate hyperglycemia, not hypoglycemia, further confirming that cool, clammy skin is indeed a hallmark symptom of low blood sugar.

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