Proper insulin administration can be vital for those managing diabetes. Despite its life-saving potential, insulin use comes with certain risks.
Identifying Symptoms of Excessive Insulin: Key Indicators
Experiencing low blood sugar due to an excess of insulin can manifest through the following symptoms:
- Anxiety
- Confusion
- Intense hunger
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Sweaty or cold skin
- Shaking hands
Note: Prolonged low blood sugar levels can lead to seizures or loss of consciousness. Seek medical attention immediately if you encounter these symptoms.
Management and Treatment Options
The treatment for an insulin overdose depends on its severity.
Mild Insulin Overdose
Mild hypoglycemia can result from misjudging a meal’s insulin requirement or missing a meal after an insulin injection. Fortunately, there are simple measures to manage this condition.
- Check blood sugar: Conduct a blood sugar test. Hypoglycemia is present if levels drop below 70 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dl).
- Consume a fast-acting glucose source: If your blood sugar is low, ingest high-sugar foods like fruit juice, soda, candies, sugar cubes, or raisins.
- Follow up with food: If the low blood sugar is due to a missed meal, eat something substantial after taking glucose to gradually increase blood sugar levels.
- Stay calm: Insulin can induce uncomfortable feelings. Take a nap to ensure safety and let your body stabilize.
- Recheck blood glucose: Check your blood sugar levels again 15 minutes after consuming sugary food.
Reminder: If symptoms persist and blood glucose levels do not improve, seek medical advice.
Severe Insulin Overdose
Anyone suffering from a severe insulin overdose requires immediate medical attention. Usually, treatment involves administering an intravenous (IV) dextrose and electrolyte solution, given directly into a vein by a healthcare professional.
Various techniques are available for managing and calculating your insulin dosage, such as insulin pumps or intravenous administration. It’s imperative to monitor your blood sugar levels regularly to prevent complications related to insulin overdose.