Malnutrition increases hypoglycemia risk for patients taking sulfonylureas or insulin. Which option best reflects this risk?

• A. Hyperglycemia
• B. Malnutrition
• C. Regular meals
• D. Adequate hydration

Answer: (B)

The main idea is that not having enough energy or nutrients (malnutrition) heightens the risk of low blood sugar when using insulin or sulfonylureas. These medications promote lower glucose levels, so if intake is reduced, there isn’t enough glucose available to balance their effect, leading to hypoglycemia. Malnutrition is the factor that best explains why the risk goes up in this situation. Regular meals and adequate hydration are important for overall management, but they don’t explain the increased risk from insufficient intake, whereas malnutrition directly creates the conditions for hypoglycemia with these medications.