hypoglycemia

American  

[hahy-poh-glahy-see-mee-uh] / ˌhaɪ poʊ glaɪˈsi mi ə /

noun

Pathology.

1. an abnormally low level of glucose in the blood.

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hypoglycemia Scientific  

/ hī′pō-glī-sē′mē-ə /

1. An abnormally low level of sugar in the blood, most commonly caused by excessive doses of insulin in people with diabetes or by excessive ingestion of alcohol or certain other drugs. It can cause weakness, dizziness, disorientation, and, if prolonged, permanent brain damage.

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Other Word Forms

• hypoglycemic adjective

Etymology

Origin of hypoglycemia

First recorded in 1890–95; hypo- + glyc- + -emia

Example Sentences

The utility of current tools to detect hypoglycemia is limited by diagnostic delay, invasiveness, low availability, and high costs.

From Science Daily • Feb. 8, 2024

“If they have hypoglycemia, the good majority of them will have to be admitted to the hospital and monitored and watched closely, because of how long these drugs last,” Ho said.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 20, 2023

In the day before his death, he faced other complications, such as hypoglycemia and gastrointestinal problems, the center said.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 11, 2023

Ingesting even the smallest amount of xylitol can cause a pet's liver to rapidly release insulin, causing hypoglycemia – unusually low blood glucose levels.

From Salon • Dec. 18, 2022

She heaped sugar into the tea, having diagnosed herself as suffering from hypoglycemia.

From "Atonement" by Ian McEwan