Etymed
hypoglycemia
Definition
A pathological condition characterized by abnormally low levels of glucose in the blood
Clinical context
A 65-year-old diabetic patient presents to the emergency department with confusion, sweating, and palpitations after missing his afternoon insulin dose. His blood glucose level is 45 mg/dL. The patient's symptoms improve rapidly after administration of intravenous glucose. This scenario illustrates the classic presentation of hypoglycemia in a diabetic patient.
Mnemonic
LOW blood sugar = LOUD symptoms (confusion, sweating, palpitations)