Insulin Reaction - Causes, Symptoms, Treatment

An insulin reaction is an excessively low blood sugar level (hypoglycemia), usually lower than 50 mg/dL. Insulin reactions result from an excess of insulin via an injection or an excess of an insulin-stimulating oral hypoglycemic agent, usually in the sulfonylurea class of drugs. Insulin reactions are more common in people with severe diabetes. Hypoglycemia occurs more often when a person is attempting to achieve near normal blood sugar levels.

A person with an insulin reaction has low blood sugar, caused by taking too much insulin. Insulin stimulates the cells to use sugar, which reduces the amount of sugar in the bloodstream. Blood sugar, or glucose, is the brain's only source of energy. If the glucose level drops too low, the brain malfunctions and the person loses consciousness.

An insulin reaction is an excessively low blood sugar level (hypoglycemia), usually lower than 50 mg/dL. Insulin reactions result from an excess of insulin via an injection or an excess of an insulin-stimulating oral hypoglycemic agent, usually in the sulfonylurea class of drugs.

Causes

Bathing and hot tubs can increase the rate of insulin absorption because hot water increases circulation in the body and can cause temporary increase in insulin absorption. For this reason, it is important to time shots and insulin boluses (via a pump) so that you don't give insulin and hop right into the tub. Taking hot baths immediately following injections can cause insulin to be absorbed more rapidly and may result in hypoglycemia (low blood glucose).

Signs/Symptoms

Mild Signs Include: Headache, hunger, sweating, nervousness, problems staying focused, mood changes, and weakness. Moderate Signs Include: Heavy sweating, increasing weakness, heart palpitations, memory loss, double vision, problems walking, and numbness in the area of the mouth and (possibly) the fingers. Severe Signs Include: Seizures, fainting, muscle twitching, and passing urine unexpectedly.

Before you treat an insulin reaction, or hypoglycemia, you need to recognize the symptoms. An insulin reaction can come about quickly. Symptoms include: shakiness, dizziness, sweating, hunger, headache, or sudden mood changes.

Treatment

Emergency treatment will typically consist of administration of sugar in the form of intravenous dextrose solution. Continuous intravenous infusions may be required. Glucagon may be given by injection if intravenous access is difficult to obtain or if hypoglycemia continues despite dextrose treatment. Blood sugar levels will be monitored to guide therapy. Usually, the person can be released when blood sugar levels have stabilized for several hours and the person has eaten.

As soon as symptoms are noticed, the person needs to eat something. If the reaction is mild, a few ounces of milk or some juice and a few crackers will help. For a more severe reaction, have the person eat or drink something containing sugar such as sugar sweetened soda, candy or glucose tablets. If they don't feel better in about 10 or 15 minutes, have them eat something else. If a diabetic experiences a reaction and it's not close to a mealtime, the treatment should be followed with a regular snack containing some form of carbohydrate and protein.

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