Changes to your usual eating habits, such as skipping a meal or not eating enough, can lower your blood sugar. Excessive alcohol use can also cause hypoglycemia.

Intense physical activity can cause blood sugar to drop because your body needs more energy. New forms of exercise that your body is not used to can also reduce blood sugar levels.

Insulin helps your cells absorb glucose from the bloodstream, which means you have less glucose flowing through your blood.

Hyperinsulinism (having too much insulin) can lead to low blood sugar levels. Hyperinsulinism can happen if your body naturally produces too much insulin. It can also occur from medication for type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes. 

Conditions that affect your hormone levels can also lead to hypoglycemia. For example, problems with your pituitary or adrenal glands (which regulate your hormone levels) can cause low blood sugar.

Your liver creates and releases glucose as your body needs it. Liver disease can impact this process and keep your liver from properly releasing glucose.

Kidney disease can cause problems with how your kidneys process and absorb things, including insulin and certain diabetes medication.

Your provider may recommend using a CGM system, which regularly checks your blood glucose level. These frequent measurements can help you understand your levels so you can prevent low blood sugar.

You can eat or drink 15-20 grams of fast-acting carbs if you anticipate a drop or have mild to moderate symptoms. If your blood glucose level remains low after 15 minutes, ingest another 15 to 20 grams of fast-acting carbs. Fast-acting carbs include crackers, juice, soda, sugar, honey, syrup and hard candy. You can also buy glucose tablets or gels over the counter that contain fast-acting carbs.

Insulin medication or injections can help manage your blood glucose levels with diabetes. Your provider can help determine which medication works for you and how to use it.

Glucagon is a hormone that helps regulate blood glucose. An emergency glucagon injection or nasal (nose) spray can treat severe hypoglycemia. Severe means that your blood glucose level is less than 55 mg/dL, you cannot eat or drink fast-acting carbs or you are unresponsive, unconscious or having a seizure.

Regularly checking your blood glucose levels can help you take action when needed. You can use a blood glucose meter or a CGM system. Ask your provider about the options available and how often you should check.

Physical activity, especially intense or new forms of exercise, can cause your blood sugar to decrease. Eating or drinking something with carbs or sugar before you start can help prevent a drop. Also, make sure you drink enough water during exercise, as dehydration can cause blood glucose levels to drop.

Make sure those around you know what to do if your blood sugar gets dangerously low. You can tell them common symptoms to watch for and how to test your blood sugar. They should also know how to use a glucagon injection kit if needed.

You can keep a diary of your blood sugar levels, food intake, medications and exercise. These details may help you and your provider realize patterns and figure out how best to manage your blood sugar.