Insulin shock, also known as severe hypoglycemia, is a serious medical condition characterized by dangerously low blood sugar levels. It is an acute emergency that develops rapidly. Understanding this condition is important for individuals with diabetes and those around them, as prompt recognition and action are necessary.
Understanding Insulin Shock
Insulin shock is the medical term for severe hypoglycemia, a state where blood glucose levels drop significantly, typically below 70 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) for people with diabetes. When blood sugar falls too low, the body’s cells, particularly those in the brain, do not receive enough energy to function properly. This can lead to impaired neurological function.
Insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, regulates blood sugar by enabling glucose to enter cells for energy. In diabetes, insulin is often administered to manage blood glucose. An imbalance between insulin, carbohydrate intake, and physical activity can lead to an excess of insulin relative to available glucose, causing blood sugar to plummet.
Recognizing the Signs
Signs of insulin shock vary, with many experiencing initial symptoms as blood sugar falls. These early indicators can include shakiness, sweating, a rapid heartbeat, and a feeling of anxiety. Other common symptoms include dizziness, headache, increased hunger, and irritability.
As blood glucose drops further, more pronounced symptoms appear. These include confusion, blurred or double vision, slurred speech, and clumsiness. In severe cases, individuals may experience seizures, convulsions, or loss of consciousness. Some individuals, especially those with long-standing diabetes, may develop hypoglycemia unawareness, lacking typical warning signs and increasing their risk for severe episodes.
Common Causes
Insulin shock mainly affects individuals managing diabetes, especially those using insulin or certain oral medications that increase insulin production. A frequent cause is taking too much insulin or diabetes medication relative to the body’s needs, often due to an incorrect dose or routine changes.
Skipping meals, delaying eating, or not consuming enough carbohydrates to match insulin dosage can also lead to dangerously low blood sugar. Also, unusual or excessive physical activity can cause blood glucose levels to drop as muscles use more sugar for energy. Consuming alcohol, especially on an empty stomach, can affect blood sugar regulation and contribute to hypoglycemia.
Immediate Action and Prevention
For mild to moderate low blood sugar levels (typically below 70 mg/dL), the “Rule of 15” is a common treatment. It involves consuming 15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrates, such as glucose tablets, fruit juice, or regular soda. After 15 minutes, blood sugar should be rechecked; if still below 70 mg/dL, repeat until blood glucose returns to a safe range. Once stable, a snack with protein and longer-acting carbohydrates can help prevent another drop.
For severe insulin shock, if an individual is unconscious or unable to swallow, immediate medical assistance is necessary. Glucagon, a hormone that rapidly raises blood sugar by signaling the liver to release stored glucose, can be administered by injection or nasal spray. Caregivers should know how to use a prescribed glucagon kit and turn an unconscious person on their side to prevent choking. Emergency services should be contacted if glucagon is not available, if the person doesn’t recover within 10-15 minutes, or if they consumed alcohol.
Preventing insulin shock involves consistent management of diabetes. This includes regular blood sugar monitoring, adhering to meal schedules, and adjusting insulin doses or food intake based on physical activity. Carrying fast-acting carbohydrates and informing family, friends, and colleagues about the condition and how to respond are also important preventive measures.