What is hypoglycemia defined as?

Hypoglycemia is defined as a blood sugar level (BSL) that is low enough to cause symptoms or requires intervention. In clinical practice, a BSL less than 4.0 mmol/L is widely recognized as hypoglycemia. This threshold is based on evidence that levels below this can lead to various symptoms such as shakiness, sweating, confusion, and even severe neurological implications if not promptly addressed.

Understanding this definition is crucial because it guides clinical practice and patient management. Identifying hypoglycemia allows for timely treatment, which may include carbohydrate intake or other interventions to raise the blood sugar to a safer level.

The other possible definitions either indicate higher BSL values, where people generally would not experience hypoglycemic symptoms, or simply do not adhere to the established clinical criteria for hypoglycemia recognized in healthcare settings.