Insulin is a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar by moving glucose from the bloodstream into cells for energy. Administering more insulin than the body needs can lead to a dangerous drop in blood sugar levels, a condition known as hypoglycemia. Understanding how to recognize and address such situations is important for maintaining health and preventing serious complications. This article provides guidance on responding to the effects of excess insulin.
Recognizing the Signs of Too Much Insulin
When too much insulin is administered, blood sugar levels can fall below 70 mg/dL, triggering symptoms. Mild symptoms often include shakiness, nervousness or anxiety, and sweating or clamminess. Individuals might also experience increased hunger, a rapid heartbeat, or pale skin. These are early warnings of declining blood sugar.
As blood sugar drops, more pronounced symptoms can emerge. These may include confusion, disorientation, difficulty concentrating, and slurred speech. Some individuals might also feel light-headed or dizzy, experience nausea, or have headaches. Recognizing these symptoms promptly allows for timely intervention.
In more severe cases of low blood sugar, the brain can become significantly impaired. Symptoms can escalate to include fatigue, drowsiness, irritability, or even a depressed mood. Without intervention, severe hypoglycemia can lead to seizures, loss of consciousness, or coma.
Immediate Actions to Address Low Blood Sugar
If low blood sugar is suspected, check your blood glucose level if a meter is available. A reading below 70 mg/dL confirms hypoglycemia. If a meter isn’t available, treat based on symptoms alone.
The “15-15 rule” is a common approach. Consume 15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrates, then wait 15 minutes to recheck your blood sugar. Examples of fast-acting carbohydrates include four glucose tablets, half a cup (about 4 ounces) of fruit juice, half a can of regular soda, or a tablespoon of honey. These are quickly absorbed to raise glucose.
After 15 minutes, recheck your blood sugar. If the level is still below 70 mg/dL, repeat consuming 15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrates and waiting 15 minutes. Continue this cycle until your blood sugar returns to a safe range (above 70 mg/dL). Once blood sugar has normalized, a small meal or snack with carbohydrates and protein can help stabilize levels and prevent another drop.
When Emergency Care is Needed
Immediate medical attention is necessary for severe hypoglycemia. If a person becomes unconscious, is unable to swallow, or experiences seizures, contact emergency services. Do not give oral carbohydrates, as this can lead to choking.
If prescribed glucagon, administer this hormone to counteract severe low blood sugar. Glucagon signals the liver to release stored glucose, rapidly raising blood sugar. It is available as an injection or an inhaled mist (intranasal), usable even if unconscious.
Even if glucagon improves symptoms, seek medical evaluation. Healthcare professionals can administer intravenous dextrose and electrolyte solutions to stabilize blood sugar and monitor for lingering effects. This follow-up ensures stable blood sugar and prevents complications.
Strategies to Prevent Insulin Overdose
Preventing an insulin overdose involves careful management and consistent habits. Double-checking the insulin dose before administration avoids errors. Understanding the insulin type (onset, peak, duration) helps time meals and activities. For example, rapid-acting insulin works quickly and requires food soon after injection.
Adjusting insulin doses based on physical activity and meal carbohydrate content is important. Intense exercise or fewer carbohydrates can lead to lower blood sugar, requiring insulin reduction. Conversely, larger meals or less activity might require a higher dose, but adjust with a healthcare provider.
Regular blood sugar monitoring provides immediate feedback, allowing proactive adjustments to insulin or carbohydrate intake. Carrying emergency carbohydrates, such as glucose tablets or juice, for unexpected drops. Proper storage of insulin, away from extreme temperatures, maintains its effectiveness.
Open communication with a healthcare provider is important for safe insulin management. Regular consultations allow medication adjustments, personalized education, and blood sugar pattern review. This dialogue refines insulin dosages and strategies, minimizing accidental overdose risk and promoting long-term well-being.