Which term refers to abnormally low concentration of glucose in the blood?

• A. Hyperglycemia
• B. Hypoglycemia
• C. Hyperinsulinism
• D. Polyphagia

Answer: (B)

Low blood glucose is called hypoglycemia. It means the glucose level in the blood has fallen below what the body needs for normal function. When glucose drops, the body triggers warning signs like shakiness, sweating, and confusion as it tries to raise glucose back to a safe level. In a medical assistant role, recognizing these signs and verifying with a fingerstick glucose test is crucial. If confirming hypoglycemia, provide a rapid source of sugar (such as juice or glucose tablets) and recheck after a few minutes.

The other terms aren’t the same: hyperglycemia means high blood glucose; hyperinsulinism refers to too much insulin in the bloodstream (which can cause hypoglycemia but is not the general term for low glucose); polyphagia means excessive hunger.