North Carolina EMT State Practice Exam

What condition leads to extremely high blood glucose levels when insulin is absent?

1. Hypoglycemia

2. Hyperglycemia

3. Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)

4. Type 1 Diabetes

The correct answer is: Hyperglycemia

The condition that leads to extremely high blood glucose levels when insulin is absent is best characterized by hyperglycemia. This term specifically refers to elevated levels of glucose in the bloodstream, which occurs when the body either does not produce enough insulin or cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. In the context of diabetes, particularly in individuals with Type 1 diabetes, the absence of insulin prevents glucose from entering cells for energy, resulting in elevated blood sugar levels. This can lead to significant and potentially dangerous health problems if not addressed. While diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is also a critical condition associated with high blood glucose levels and is primarily seen in uncontrolled diabetes, it specifically involves the accumulation of ketones and a state of acidosis due to the lack of insulin. Therefore, hyperglycemia is a broader term that encompasses the elevated glucose levels occurring in this scenario. Hypoglycemia refers to low blood sugar levels, which is not relevant to this question. Type 1 diabetes is a condition characterized by an autoimmune response that destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, leading to hyperglycemia. However, the direct term for the high blood glucose levels is hyperglycemia itself.