Insulin Shock Symptoms

Insulin shock refers to a severe episode of diabetic hypoglycemia or low blood sugar level. The normal range for blood sugar level is 70 to 150 mg/dl. Generally, mild episodes of diabetic hypoglycemia can be reversed easily, with the intake of sugar or glucose. However, an acute and severe case of insulin shock can result in loss of consciousness and diabetic coma, which can prove fatal at times.

Causes of Insulin Shock

Insulin shock or diabetic hypoglycemia is generally caused by presence of too much insulin in the blood. It can also result from the presence of too little glucose in the blood, which can be due to slow release of glucose into the bloodstream or its rapid use by the body cells. The condition is more commonly found in the patients of type 1 diabetes which is characterized by the insufficient production of insulin. Insulin is the hormone, crucial for the absorption of glucose by the body cells and tissues from the bloodstream. So, it helps to lower the level of glucose or sugar in blood. Taking too much insulin or overdose of diabetic medications are two most important causes of this condition. It can also result from skipping a meal, alcohol consumption, excessive exercising, infections, vomiting and diarrhea.

Insulin Shock Signs

A sudden drop in the blood glucose level directly affects the functions of the brain. The result is weakness, loss of consciousness and confusion. The symptoms can be mild or severe, depending on how great is the drop in blood sugar level.

• Increased tiredness and hunger
• Trembling
• Excessive sweating
• Dizziness or fainting episodes
• Nervousness and increase in heart rate
• Confusion and lack of coordination
• Changes in behavior or irritability
• Headache
• Convulsions
• Blurred vision
• Paleness
• Slurred Speech

These symptoms can eventually lead to loss of consciousness and seizures, if the fall in the level of blood sugar is too great. A severe and prolonged state of unconsciousness is termed as diabetic coma, which is a serious condition. Rarely, it can also cause brain damage or death of the affected individual, especially if not treated on time.

Treatment for Insulin Shock

The mild cases can be treated immediately with the oral intake of glucose. Glucose can be taken as fruits juice, glucose tablets or candies. This can help to reverse a mild case of insulin shock. However, if oral administration of glucose is not possible, due to loss of consciousness or seizure, then glucose has to be administered intravenously. But, severe hypoglycemia usually requires the injection of glucagon hormone that can counteract the actions of insulin or increase the level of blood glucose.

The best way to prevent this condition and its complications is to avoid the risk factors, i.e. the habit of skipping meal, excessive use of diabetic medications as well as too much exercising. It is better for the diabetic patients to stick to the advice of the physician regarding their diet, use of medications and the level of exercising. The diabetic patients should also check their blood sugar level at regular intervals for better management of the condition. At the same time, a proper understanding about the symptoms, and their identifications at the right moment is also crucial for ensuring prompt treatment of the condition. If not treated on time, insulin shock can lead to some life-threatening complications.