What is the condition caused by prolonged exposure to cold that leads to low body temperatures?

Hypothermia occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it, resulting in abnormally low body temperatures. This condition is typically triggered by prolonged exposure to cold environments, where various factors such as wet clothing, wind, and immersion in cold water can accelerate heat loss.

When the body temperature falls below the normal range, the body's ability to function effectively is compromised. Symptoms of hypothermia include shivering, confusion, fatigue, and in severe cases, loss of consciousness. Understanding hypothermia is crucial, especially in outdoor and cold-weather scenarios, as it highlights the importance of protective measures to maintain body heat and safety in adverse conditions.

The other conditions listed, such as frostbite, which specifically affects extremities due to freezing, and heat-related issues like heatstroke and hypoglycemia, do not describe the effects of prolonged cold exposure leading to low body temperatures. Instead, they pertain to different physiological responses related to heat and metabolic imbalances.