Qualified Medication Aides (QMA) Practice Exam

What is a common symptom of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)?

1. Excessive thirst

2. Increased energy

3. Shakiness

4. Rapid heartbeat

The correct answer is: Shakiness

Shakiness is a well-recognized symptom of low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, because it occurs when the body is deprived of adequate glucose, which is necessary for energy production. When blood sugar levels drop, the body can enter a state of panic, triggering the release of adrenaline (epinephrine) in an effort to raise the blood sugar levels. This surge of adrenaline can manifest physically as tremors or shakiness. The symptom is linked to the body's fight-or-flight response, where the nervous system reacts to perceived low glucose levels as a potential threat, causing physical responses such as trembling. This is why individuals experiencing hypoglycemia may report feeling shaky, particularly if the blood sugar drops suddenly or significantly. In contrast, symptoms like excessive thirst usually relate more to high blood sugar levels, where the body attempts to manage excess glucose. Increased energy would be contrary to hypoglycemia, as low blood sugar typically leads to fatigue or weakness rather than heightened energy. Rapid heartbeat can be a symptom associated with hypoglycemia as well, due to the adrenaline response, but shakiness is often the more predominant and noticeable symptom that individuals identify. Thus, shakiness serves as a key indicator of hypoglycemia.