What are common causes of hypoglycemia in diabetic patients?

Hypoglycemia in diabetic patients is primarily caused by a combination of factors that disrupt the normal balance of insulin and glucose in the body. One of the common causes is skipping meals, which can lead to a decrease in blood glucose levels, especially if the patient has taken insulin or other glucose-lowering medications. When a diabetic person skips a meal after administering their usual dose of insulin, their body may not have enough glucose available to counteract the insulin's effects, leading to low blood sugar.

Additionally, excess insulin can directly cause hypoglycemia by lowering blood glucose levels too much. This can occur if a patient miscalculates their insulin dosage or if their medication management is not well balanced with their food intake and activity level. Intense physical activity also plays a significant role; exercise uses up glucose for energy, which can further deplete blood sugar levels, especially if pre-exercise glucose levels are not adequately handled.

In contrast, excessive sugar intake would typically raise blood glucose levels rather than lower them, whereas lack of sleep can contribute to other health issues but is not a direct cause of hypoglycemia. Increased water consumption does not directly impact blood sugar levels in the context of diabetes management and therefore would not be a common cause of hypoglycemia.