What is a common side effect of insulin therapy in diabetes management?

Hypoglycemia, which refers to dangerously low blood sugar levels, is indeed a common side effect of insulin therapy in diabetes management. Insulin works by facilitating the uptake of glucose into cells, thus lowering blood glucose levels. If a patient administers too much insulin or does not match their insulin dose with adequate food intake or physical activity, blood glucose levels can drop significantly.

When hypoglycemia occurs, it can lead to various symptoms such as shaking, sweating, confusion, blurred vision, and in severe cases, loss of consciousness or seizures. Thus, it is crucial for individuals on insulin therapy to monitor their blood sugar levels closely and be aware of the signs of hypoglycemia to prevent serious complications.

The other options mentioned, while they can be associated with diabetes management, do not directly link to insulin therapy in the same way. For example, weight gain may occur due to changes in metabolism and lifestyle rather than being a direct side effect of insulin itself. Increased thirst and fatigue can result from high blood glucose levels rather than from the use of insulin, as insulin therapy primarily targets lowering those glucose levels.