Reactive hypoglycemia is also known as which term?

• A. Idiopathic postprandial syndrome
• B. Reactive hypoglycemia
• C. Dawn phenomenon
• D. Addison disease

Answer: (A)

Post-meal low blood sugar symptoms have long been described under several names, and one historical label for reactive hypoglycemia is idiopathic postprandial syndrome. This term captures the situation well: symptoms that occur after eating (postprandial) that are attributed to low blood sugar without a known cause (idiopathic). It aligns with reactive hypoglycemia in meaning, since both describe postprandial hypoglycemic reactions that lead to symptoms such as shakiness, sweating, or palpitations. The other terms refer to different phenomena: dawn phenomenon is morning hyperglycemia related to circadian hormone release, and Addison disease is adrenal insufficiency with a distinct clinical picture.