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

See Examples For:

hypoglycemia

They said their blood sugar readings were refractory, meaning they kept coming back despite being given glucose, whereas naturally-occurring hypoglycemia can be easily corrected with a treatment such as a sugary drink.

From BBC ● Sep. 25, 2026

They can cause hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar.

From Science Daily ● Apr. 4, 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

The patients treated in Austria reported serious side effects like hypoglycemia and seizures, indications that the product most likely contained insulin instead of semaglutide, officials said.

From New York Times ● Oct. 24, 2023

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

From "Atonement" by Ian McEwan