Irregular meals increase hypoglycemia risk for patients on sulfonylureas or insulin. Which option best reflects this risk?

• A. Regular meals
• B. Irregular meals
• C. Exercise
• D. Sleep pattern

Answer: (B)

Irregular meals create a mismatch between insulin action and glucose availability. When someone is on sulfonylureas or insulin, the body has more insulin active than there is glucose coming in from meals. Skipping or delaying meals means there isn’t enough carbohydrate to balance that insulin effect, so blood glucose can drop too low, causing hypoglycemia. Regular meals help keep glucose input steady and align it with the insulin action, reducing this risk. Exercise and sleep patterns can influence glucose, but irregular eating specifically describes the mismatch that raises the likelihood of hypoglycemia with these medications.