Which condition is defined by a blood glucose of 60 mg/dL or less?

Which condition is defined by a blood glucose of 60 mg/dL or less?

• A. Hyperglycemia
• B. Hypoglycemia
• C. Normal
• D. Diabetes

Answer: (B)

Low blood glucose is the concept being tested. A glucose reading of 60 mg/dL or less signals hypoglycemia, a state where the body's tissues, especially the brain, don’t have enough fuel. This threshold is used because cognitive and autonomic symptoms can begin around this level, making it a dangerous drop that requires prompt attention. In contrast, hyperglycemia means high blood glucose, which occurs with conditions like diabetes or insulin resistance. Normal fasting values are typically about 70–99 mg/dL, so a reading of 60 or below clearly fits hypoglycemia.

Low blood glucose is the concept being tested. A glucose reading of 60 mg/dL or less signals hypoglycemia, a state where the body's tissues, especially the brain, don’t have enough fuel. This threshold is used because cognitive and autonomic symptoms can begin around this level, making it a dangerous drop that requires prompt attention. In contrast, hyperglycemia means high blood glucose, which occurs with conditions like diabetes or insulin resistance. Normal fasting values are typically about 70–99 mg/dL, so a reading of 60 or below clearly fits hypoglycemia.