Proper insulin administration can be a lifesaver for individuals managing diabetes. However, there are several risks associated with insulin use.
Recognizing Signs of Excessive Insulin: What to Watch For
If you experience low blood sugar due to excessive insulin intake, you may encounter the following symptoms:
- Anxiety
- Confusion
- Severe hunger
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Sweaty or cold complexion
- Trembling hands
Note: Continued drops in blood sugar levels can lead to seizures or unconsciousness. Seek medical advice immediately if you experience these symptoms.
Treatment
Treatment for an insulin overdose varies depending on the overdose’s severity.
Mild Insulin Overdose
Mild hypoglycemia can occur if someone miscalculates their mealtime insulin or skips a meal post-insulin shot. Thankfully, there are straightforward steps you can take for treatment.
- Check blood sugar: Perform a blood sugar check. Hypoglycemia is indicated if levels drop below 70 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dl).
- Take a quick-release glucose drink: If blood sugar is low, consume high-sugar fruit juice, soda, candy, sugar lumps, or raisins.
- Consider supplementary action: If the low sugar level is due to a missed meal, eat something after consuming glucose to gradually elevate blood sugar.
- Remain calm: Insulin can cause unsettling sensations. The patient should take a nap to stay safe and give their body time to stabilize.
- Recheck blood glucose: Recheck blood sugar levels 15 minutes after consuming something sugary.
Reminder: If symptoms persist and blood glucose readings do not improve, consult a doctor.
Severe Insulin Overdose
Immediate treatment is necessary for anyone experiencing a severe insulin overdose. Often, an intravenous (IV) dextrose and electrolyte solution is used. A physician will administer this treatment directly into a vein.
Various methods are available for controlling and calculating your insulin dose, such as using an insulin pump or intravenous administration. Regularly monitoring your blood sugar levels is crucial to avoid complications associated with insulin overdose.