Final answer:
A disadvantage of intensive therapy for type 1 diabetes is the increased risk of hypoglycemia, which occurs when insulin therapy lowers blood sugar too much, potentially leading to severe health issues.
Step-by-step explanation:
A disadvantage of intensive therapy for type 1 diabetes could be the risk of hypoglycemia, which is an abnormally low level of sugar (glucose) in the blood. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system destroys insulin-secreting beta cells in the pancreas. Without proper insulin, glucose remains in the blood, leading to high levels of blood glucose. Intensive therapy often involves close monitoring and frequent adjustments of insulin, which can increase the risk of hypoglycemia, especially during physical activity, stress, or with improper dosing.
If hypoglycemia is very severe and persists for a longer period, it indicates that the insulin dose is higher than required, necessitating an adjustment in therapy. Additionally, during renal dysfunction, hypoglycemia can occur due to the non-reabsorption of filtered glucose by the kidney tubules, leading to complications. Thus, while intensive therapy aims to manage blood sugar levels more tightly, it comes with the risk of potentially dangerous lows in blood sugar.