Causes

Low blood sugar is most common among people who take insulin, but it can also occur if you're taking certain oral diabetes medications.

Common causes of diabetic hypoglycemia include:

• Taking too much insulin or diabetes medication
• Not eating enough
• Postponing or skipping a meal or snack
• Increasing exercise or physical activity without eating more or adjusting your medications
• Drinking alcohol

Blood sugar regulation

The hormone insulin lowers blood sugar levels when blood sugar is too high. If you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes and need insulin to control your blood sugar, taking more insulin than you need can cause your blood sugar level to drop too low and result in hypoglycemia.

Your blood sugar can also drop too low if, after taking your diabetes medication, you eat less than usual (most of the body's glucose comes from food), or if you exercise more than you normally do, which uses extra glucose. Maintaining the balance between insulin, food and activity isn't always easy, but your doctor or diabetes educator can work with you to try to prevent low blood sugar levels.