Hypoglycemic Shock

Blood sugar is known to be the body's main source of energy and when this very source dwindles down abnormally, the condition that arises is known as hypoglycemic shock or diabetic hypoglycemia. As the name suggests, this condition is known to have a common association with diabetes. This condition, is however, not a disease in itself, but a symptom. 70 to 150 mg/dl happens to be the normal figure of blood sugar level in the body.

What is Hypoglycemic Shock?

As aforementioned, hypoglycemic shock is also known as insulin shock. In this condition, the blood sugar level in the body gets severely low due to the presence of excess of insulin in the blood. This condition is more dominant in people with type 1 diabetes than those who are diagnosed with the type 2 diabetes. As it is known that in type 1 diabetes, the body lacks the production of insulin. So the treatment consists of taking insulin medically so as to lower the level of glucose in the blood. Due to obvious reasons, an insulin shock appears when there is an administration of too much insulin or overdose of diabetic medications. Other causes of this condition may be related to starving, alcohol abuse, infections, diarrhea, etc.

Symptoms

The symptoms may be of mild nature and sometimes may be severe, depending upon the amount by which the blood sugar has dropped. Insulin shock symptoms which have been commonly identified in patients include confusion, seizures, onset of behavior that is not typical of the affected person, and even nervousness. Lack of coordination, anxiety, increased irritability and dizziness are some effects that insulin shock can have on one's brain.

Apart from these, an insulin shock can also cause tremors, increased pulse, perspiration, hunger, visual disturbances, headaches and paleness. These hypoglycemia signs and symptoms may end up in a state of unconsciousness of the sufferer, although it is thought to be a rare occurrence. Diabetic coma is a complication that may arise as a result of a prolonged loss of consciousness. Also know that these signs and symptoms may also be the result of some other medical conditions in the body. The only way to confirm the onset of insulin shock is to get a measure of the blood sugar level of the affected person.

Treatment

Mild cases of hypoglycemia can be dealt with by taking candy, drinking fruit juice or glucose tablets. These products help in raising the blood sugar level. However, when symptoms get severe, it may become difficult for the affected person to take sugar by mouth. In such a case, use of intravenous glucose or an injection of glucagon may be required. This is the reason why patients who are prone to have frequent attacks of hypoglycemic shock, must avail a home glucagon kit. One more aspect of the treatment is to identify the underlying cause of the insulin shock, which in this case, is the intake of too much insulin. However, the condition of hypoglycemia may also result from various other factors.

Preventing of hypoglycemic shock is easier if patients work closely with their doctors and follow the recommended diabetic plan religiously. The most important aspect to be kept in mind is the proper use of insulin. Apart from this, one must also pay heed to the importance of proper exercising and a healthy diet.