Ryanair Initial Practice Exam

What condition is associated with low blood sugar and high insulin levels?

1. Hyperglycaemia

2. Hypoglycaemia

3. Normal glycaemia

4. Diabetic coma

The correct answer is: Hypoglycaemia

The condition associated with low blood sugar and high insulin levels is hypoglycaemia. Hypoglycaemia occurs when glucose levels in the blood drop below normal, which can lead to symptoms such as confusion, shakiness, sweating, and even loss of consciousness in severe cases. High insulin levels can cause hypoglycaemia because insulin facilitates the uptake of glucose into cells, decreasing its concentration in the bloodstream. In some cases, such as insulinoma (a tumor of the pancreas that secretes insulin) or as a result of certain medications, excessive insulin can lead to an imbalance between glucose consumption and glucose production, ultimately causing low blood sugar. In contrast, hyperglycaemia refers to high blood sugar levels, indicating that insulin would typically be low or ineffective, while normal glycaemia signifies stable blood sugar levels within the healthy range. A diabetic coma is a severe complication often associated with high blood sugar, not low, which demonstrates a different set of underlying metabolic conditions.