What is the main complication of untreated severe hypoglycemia?

The main complication of untreated severe hypoglycemia is seizures or loss of consciousness. When a person's blood glucose levels drop dangerously low, the brain does not receive enough glucose, which is its primary source of energy. This depletion can lead to neuroglycopenia, where the brain cells begin to function improperly due to lack of glucose, ultimately resulting in symptoms such as confusion, seizures, or even coma.

In severe cases, if hypoglycemia is not promptly corrected, it can lead to significant neurological damage due to prolonged oxygen deprivation and energy deficiency in the brain. This highlights the critical need for immediate treatment of hypoglycemia to restore adequate glucose levels and prevent these severe complications.

The other options, while associated with various conditions, do not directly relate to the immediate and dangerous effects of severe hypoglycemia. For instance, long-term liver damage is not a typical outcome of hypoglycemia, and excessive thirst and urination are more closely associated with hyperglycemia or conditions like diabetes rather than hypoglycemia. Weight gain is also unrelated, as it pertains to caloric balance rather than acute blood sugar crises.