Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that regulates blood sugar, or glucose, by enabling cells to absorb it for energy or storage. While fundamental for health, too much insulin relative to the body’s glucose levels can lead to a dangerous condition. This article explores the consequences of excessive insulin and outlines steps for management.
Understanding Low Blood Sugar
Too much insulin leads to hypoglycemia, the medical term for low blood sugar. This occurs when excess insulin drives too much glucose out of the bloodstream and into cells, leaving insufficient amounts to fuel the body’s organs. The brain is particularly susceptible to low glucose levels because it relies almost exclusively on this sugar for its energy needs. Hypoglycemia is generally defined as a blood glucose level falling below 70 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L). However, some individuals may experience symptoms at slightly higher levels, while others might tolerate lower levels before signs appear.
Recognizing the Symptoms
The symptoms of hypoglycemia can vary among individuals and often depend on how quickly blood sugar levels drop. Mild symptoms serve as early warnings, including shakiness, sweating, an increased heart rate, intense hunger, and nervousness.
As blood sugar levels decrease, moderate symptoms reflecting brain impact can emerge, such as confusion, difficulty concentrating, irritability, dizziness, blurred vision, or slurred speech. Headaches or lightheadedness are also common.
In severe cases, critically low blood glucose can lead to neurological manifestations such as seizures, loss of consciousness, or coma. Some people, especially those with long-term diabetes, may develop a reduced awareness of hypoglycemia, meaning they do not experience the typical early warning signs.
Immediate Action and Emergency Care
Prompt action is necessary when low blood sugar is suspected. For a conscious person with mild to moderate symptoms, the immediate step is to consume 15-20 grams of fast-acting carbohydrates.
Good sources include:
Four ounces (half a cup) of fruit juice
Regular soda (not diet)
Five to six pieces of hard candy
Glucose tablets
After consuming carbohydrates, wait 15 minutes and recheck blood sugar levels to ensure they have risen above 70 mg/dL. If blood sugar remains low, repeat carbohydrate intake and recheck. Once stabilized, a small snack or meal with carbohydrates and protein can help prevent a subsequent drop.
If a person becomes unconscious or unable to swallow, do not attempt to give food or drink, as this poses a significant choking risk. In severe situations, administer a glucagon injection if available and if someone is trained. Glucagon rapidly elevates blood sugar by prompting the liver to release its stored glucose. Call emergency services immediately if an unconscious person does not respond quickly to glucagon or if it is unavailable.
Causes and Prevention Strategies
Several factors can contribute to excessive insulin. A frequent cause is an excessive dose of insulin or other diabetes medications that stimulate the body’s own insulin production, such as sulfonylureas.
Missing or delaying meals after taking diabetes medication can also lead to low blood sugar, as the medication continues to work without new glucose intake. Engaging in more intense or prolonged physical activity without adjusting medication or food intake can also deplete blood sugar levels. Alcohol consumption can interfere with the liver’s ability to release its stored glucose, increasing the risk of hypoglycemia, particularly if consumed without food.
To prevent the effects of excessive insulin, individuals should adhere to their prescribed medication dosages and timing. Maintaining consistent meal schedules and appropriate carbohydrate intake is also important. Regularly monitoring blood sugar levels, especially before and after exercise or dietary changes, helps identify trends and adjust management plans. Individuals at risk should always carry fast-acting carbohydrates for emergency treatment.