Insulin is a hormone that helps manage blood sugar levels, often used by people with diabetes. Accidental spills on hands are common and can lead to concern. This article explains what happens when insulin comes into contact with the skin.
What to Do Immediately
If insulin is spilled on your hands, immediately wash the affected area thoroughly with warm water and soap. Wash the area for at least two minutes to ensure removal of any residual insulin.
After washing, dry your hands completely with a clean towel. This simple cleaning process is typically all that is needed. Spilled insulin is generally not a cause for alarm, and proper hygiene is sufficient to address the situation.
How Insulin Interacts with Skin
Human skin acts as an effective natural barrier against external substances. The outermost layer, the stratum corneum, functions like a protective wall, preventing most molecules from entering the body. This barrier is composed of flattened cells embedded in a lipid matrix, creating a robust defense system.
Insulin is a relatively large protein molecule. This size makes it very difficult for insulin to pass through the intact stratum corneum in sufficient quantities to have a systemic effect on blood sugar levels. When insulin is injected, it bypasses this natural barrier, allowing it to enter the bloodstream directly and exert its therapeutic action.
Therefore, spilling insulin on intact skin does not lead to significant absorption into the body. The skin’s design effectively prevents large molecules like insulin from penetrating deeply enough to cause changes in blood glucose, meaning topical absorption is minimal to non-existent under normal circumstances.
When to Contact a Healthcare Professional
While spilling insulin on intact skin is generally harmless, contact a healthcare professional in specific, rare scenarios. If insulin was ingested, such as if hands were placed in the mouth without prior washing, medical advice should be sought. Ingesting insulin can lead to a drop in blood sugar, known as hypoglycemia, which can manifest with symptoms like shaking, sweating, confusion, or dizziness.
Another rare circumstance involves contact with a large open wound on the hand. If a significant amount of insulin came into contact with a substantial open wound, or if any unexpected symptoms develop, consult a medical professional. These situations are exceptions to the general rule that skin contact is not dangerous.