Whipple's triad of hypoglycemia includes which components?

• A. Hypoglycemia symptoms; Low plasma glucose level; Relief of symptoms after correction
• B. Hyperglycemia symptoms; High plasma glucose; Relief after correction
• C. Hypoglycemia symptoms; Normal plasma glucose; Relief after glucose
• D. Hypoglycemia symptoms; Low plasma osmolality; Relief after hydration

Answer: (A)

Whipple's triad tests whether symptoms are truly due to low blood glucose by requiring three things to be present together: symptoms that are consistent with hypoglycemia, a measured low plasma glucose level at the time those symptoms occur, and relief of the symptoms after glucose administration or correction of the glucose level. This combination confirms that the symptoms are caused by hypoglycemia rather than another issue. In practice, hypoglycemia is usually defined as a plasma glucose below about 70 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L), with symptoms and rapid improvement after giving glucose. The choice that includes hypoglycemia symptoms, a low plasma glucose, and relief after correction best matches this triad. The other options mix in unrelated or incorrect elements, such as hyperglycemia, normal glucose, or changes in osmolality or hydration, which do not constitute the triad.