What is the most effective way to prevent hypoglycemia during insulin therapy?

• A. Increase carbohydrate intake
• B. Eat meals on time
• C. Skip insulin if not hungry
• D. Exercise vigorously after meals

Answer: (B)

Eating meals on time is the most effective way to prevent hypoglycemia during insulin therapy because it provides a predictable amount of glucose to match the insulin’s action. When insulin lowers blood glucose, having carbohydrates from meals available helps keep glucose levels stable. If meals are late or skipped, insulin can continue to drive glucose down without enough incoming sugar, increasing the risk of hypoglycemia.

Relying on just increasing carbohydrates isn’t as preventative because the timing and amount of food need to align with the insulin schedule. Skipping insulin isn’t safe and can raise glucose in unexpected ways, while exercising vigorously after meals increases glucose use and can trigger lows if insulin activity is still high. So, keeping meals on a regular schedule helps maintain a steady balance between insulin action and glucose availability.