Insulin Overdose

The Truth about Insulin Overdose

The last thing that a diabetic who has to take insulin wants to have to worry about is an insulin overdose but unless insulin is totally understood, this can unfortunately be a real threat. First, insulin is a hormone that forces the human body to absorb glucose through blood. This is important since it will stop the body from getting energy from fat as its primary source. Insulin must be injected into the bloodstream and can not be taken as a pill because it would not be able to enter the bloodstream. Insulin is injected into a fatty part of the body, normally the stomach, and just under the skin. There are many types of insulin and they can also vary quite a bit in price. Most insulin made in American labs is made from pigs. Once injected, insulin is very fast acting, taking affect in as few as five minutes.

Who Needs Insulin?

Anyone that has type 1 diabetes will have to take insulin and some people with type 2 diabetes have to take insulin. There are times when a person can get too much insulin in their body and this can lead to an insulin overdose. This can happen when you are taking a new product that you are not familiar with, do not know how to read the vials or syringes, using the wrong type of insulin, and failing to eat when you take your insulin. The first signs of an insulin overdose include anxiety, confusion, trembling hands, and breaking out into a cold sweat. You could also experience extreme fatigue, hunger, and irritability. Untreated, this can cause seizures and/or unconsciousness.

What You Can Do

Insulin overdoses can be treated right at home, in most cases, so the best thing to do is to be able to recognize the symptoms and know what to do. If you suspect that you or a loved one is having an insulin overdose then the first thing to do is check the sugar levels. Usually, drinking about a half cup of pop or juice will help. If you know that a meal has been skipped, then eat something right away and check the blood levels again in about 20 minutes. Sit back and rest for a while and monitor your sugar. As long as the glucose levels are low, continue to eat small snacks in an attempt to raise it. If, after two hours, your glucose level is not normal then seek medical help.

What Loved Ones Should Know

Friends or family should know what to do if the insulin overdose becomes life threatening, if you become unconscious or are having seizures. Make sure they know well in advance to first call 911 and then how to administer the insulin antidote and where to find it. Don't worry about pushing your sugar too high if it's only for a short time. One high level won't hurt you, but a very low sugar can. Make sure they know that hey should try to give you a sweetened drink.

Avoiding Insulin Overdose

There are ways to avoid an insulin overdose in the first place. Always eat meals regularly and never skip any, even if this means just eating something small such as a piece of fruit or a piece of toast. Always have your diabetes medication and supplies organized and readily available, put a few hard candies where ever you are going to be, just in case you need them, and most importantly, make sure that your loved ones are able to identify your diabetic symptoms and know how to respond.