Table 1.

Causes of hypoglycemia

Cause	Example
Incorrect insulin administration	Insulin taken in excess or at the wrong time relative to food intake and/or physical activity; incorrect type of insulin taken
Insufficient exogenous carbohydrate	Delayed or missed meals or overnight fast
Decreased endogenous glucose production	Excess alcohol consumption
Increased utilization of carbohydrate/depletion of hepatic glycogen stores	Exercise or weight loss
Increased insulin sensitivity	During the night, exercise, weight loss
Delayed gastric emptying	Conditions such as gastroparesis
Decreased insulin clearance	Conditions such as progressive renal failure