What blood glucose level indicates hypoglycemia?

What blood glucose level indicates hypoglycemia?

• A. <70
• B. 70-99
• C. 100-140
• D. >140

Answer: (A)

Hypoglycemia is defined by a blood glucose level below a common threshold used in clinical practice. When glucose dips under 70 mg/dL, the brain may not get enough fuel, and the body starts signaling low energy with symptoms such as shakiness, sweating, or confusion. That’s why this lower-than-70 value is the standard indication of hypoglycemia. In contrast, 70-99 mg/dL is considered normal fasting glucose for many people, 100-140 mg/dL is typical after meals for some individuals, and anything above 140 mg/dL is generally considered high or hyperglycemic. So the level below 70 mg/dL best indicates hypoglycemia. In practice, if this occurs, follow your facility’s protocol for treatment, such as giving a fast-acting carbohydrate if the patient is alert and able to swallow, then rechecking glucose after about 15 minutes.

Hypoglycemia is defined by a blood glucose level below a common threshold used in clinical practice. When glucose dips under 70 mg/dL, the brain may not get enough fuel, and the body starts signaling low energy with symptoms such as shakiness, sweating, or confusion. That’s why this lower-than-70 value is the standard indication of hypoglycemia.

In contrast, 70-99 mg/dL is considered normal fasting glucose for many people, 100-140 mg/dL is typical after meals for some individuals, and anything above 140 mg/dL is generally considered high or hyperglycemic. So the level below 70 mg/dL best indicates hypoglycemia. In practice, if this occurs, follow your facility’s protocol for treatment, such as giving a fast-acting carbohydrate if the patient is alert and able to swallow, then rechecking glucose after about 15 minutes.