What is the medical term for low blood sugar?

The medical term for low blood sugar is hypoglycemia. This condition occurs when the blood glucose levels drop below normal, often leading to symptoms such as sweating, shakiness, confusion, dizziness, and in severe cases, loss of consciousness or seizures. Hypoglycemia can occur for various reasons, including prolonged fasting, excessive insulin administration, or certain medical conditions.

Understanding hypoglycemia is essential for first responders and medical professionals, as quick recognition and intervention are crucial for patient safety. While diabetes is a condition characterized by high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia) or low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) depending on treatment and management, it does not specifically define low blood sugar itself. Hyperglycemia specifically refers to elevated blood glucose levels, making it distinct from hypoglycemia. Insulinoma is a tumor that typically produces excess insulin, which can lead to episodes of hypoglycemia, but it is not the term for low blood sugar itself. Thus, hypoglycemia accurately describes the physiological state of having lower than normal blood sugar levels.