Which condition is defined by sustained blood glucose greater than about 120 mg/dL?

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

Answer: (A)

High blood sugar is the concept being tested. Hyperglycemia means blood glucose is elevated beyond what’s normal and stays that way, indicating the body's regulation of sugar isn’t keeping it at a healthy level. This describes the condition in the stem, without implying a specific diagnosis. Hypoglycemia is the opposite—blood sugar that’s too low. Normal means within the typical healthy range. Diabetes is a disease that often causes hyperglycemia, but the term hyperglycemia itself simply denotes the elevated glucose state, not the disease. So the condition defined by sustained elevated blood glucose is hyperglycemia.