Insulin shock is a serious health condition to anyone who has diabetes. This occurs when there is excess insulin in the body caused by the food you eat or the level of the physical activity that you do.
The signs of insulin shock may appear minimal at first but shouldn’t be ignored as if it’s not managed quickly, hypoglycemia can become a severe condition which can cause fainting. The condition can also lead to coma and death.
The production of insulin is naturally regulated inside your body so that there is a balance of chemicals in your body. However, if your body cannot naturally produce insulin or it cannot effectively produce or use insulin then insulin must be injected into your body as medication or you need to take medication that increases your production of insulin.
Causes of hypoglycemia
- Being more physically active than usual
- Missing out on a meal
- Changing when or how much you normally eat
- Taking your insulin or medication in a different amount and/or frequency than normal
- Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol without eating
Mild signs and symptoms of an insulin shock
- Dizziness
- Irritability
- Moodiness or sudden changes in behavior
- Hunger
- Shakiness
- Sweating
- Rapid heart rate
When insulin shock becomes severe, more symptoms will arise such as:
- Fainting and loss of consciousness
- Seizures
- Coma
- Confusion
- A headache
- Poor coordination
Insulin shock can also occur overnight as you sleep and produce unique symptoms such as:
- Crying out in your sleep
- Experiencing nightmares
- Damp pajamas or sheets resulting from perspiration
- Waking up feeling tired, irritable, or confused
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important that you check your blood sugar level to see if it’s not low. In case the blood sugar levels are low, seek immediate treatment. If symptoms are severe or you are unable to help yourself, seek emergency medical attention.
You can treat hypoglycemia easily if it’s mild or moderate by consuming snacks that increase your blood sugar level. Foodstuffs that contain at least fifteen (15) to twenty (20) grams of glucose or other sugar. You can also take glucose tablets that are available in any drug store.
You can use these snacks to increase your blood sugar level:
- One-half (1/2) cup of regular soda that is not diet.
- A cup of milk.
- A tablespoon of sugar or honey.
- One-quarter (1/4) cup of raisins.
- Two (2) large or six (6) small sugar cubes dissolved in water.
You can also ask your doctor for suggestions on other snack items that can help raise your blood sugar level when you need to.
If you lose consciousness, you need to seek immediate medical attention.
FACT CHECK
https://www.healthline.com/health/diabetes/insulin-shock
https://www.webmd.com/diabetes/qa/what-is-insulin-shock
https://www.webmd.com/diabetes/guide/diabetic-shock-and-insulin-reactions#1