hypoglycemia

noun

hy·​po·​gly·​ce·​mia ˌhī-pō-glī-ˈsē-mē-ə 

: abnormal decrease of sugar in the blood

hypoglycemic

ˌhī-pō-glī-ˈsē-mik 

adjective or noun

Examples of hypoglycemia in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Herbs that lower blood sugar: Some studies indicate that taking annatto extract with certain herbs, such as bitter melon, ginger, fenugreek, and willow bark, may increase the risk of hypoglycemia. —Devineé Lingo, M.s., Health, 21 Dec. 2024

If left untreated, hypoglycemia can quickly lead to loss of consciousness, seizures, coma or death. —Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 19 Dec. 2024

Sugar-free candy canes, especially if made with Xylitol, are toxic since eating even a tiny amount can cause hypoglycemia, seizures, liver failure, or even death. —Sara Hansen, The Denver Post, 13 Dec. 2024

Low Blood Sugar Low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, is a serious problem that can lead to loss of consciousness, seizures, or death without treatment. —Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 29 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French hypoglycémie, from hypo- hypo- + glycémie glycemia

First Known Use

circa 1894, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

hypoglycemia

noun

hy·​po·​gly·​ce·​mia ˌhī-pō-glī-ˈsē-mē-ə 

: abnormal decrease of sugar in the blood

hypoglycemic

-mik 

adjective or noun

Medical Definition

hypoglycemia

noun

hy·​po·​gly·​ce·​mia

variants or chiefly British hypoglycaemia

ˌhī-pō-glī-ˈsē-mē-ə 

: abnormal decrease of sugar in the blood