What is the most common cause of low blood sugar in type I diabetes?

The most common cause of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) in individuals with type I diabetes is too much insulin. In people with type I diabetes, the pancreas produces little to no insulin, so these individuals must rely on insulin injections or an insulin pump to regulate their blood sugar levels. If they administer too much insulin relative to their current blood sugar level or carbohydrate intake, it can lead to an excess of insulin in the bloodstream, which in turn drives blood sugar levels down, resulting in hypoglycemia.

Monitoring carbohydrate intake, insulin doses, and activity levels are crucial for managing diabetes effectively. When these components are not balanced, it increases the risk of low blood sugar. Understanding this relationship helps patients with type I diabetes make informed choices regarding their insulin management to avoid hypoglycemic episodes.