An insulin reaction occurs usually only in diabetics that fall into a state of collapse due to hypoglycemia as a result of administration of excessive amounts of insulin or oral diabetic medications. Hypoglycemia pertains to low blood sugar or blood glucose level in the body. Insulin reaction can be used interchangeable with insulin shock and hypoglycemia (in relation to diabetics).
In a healthy person, the blood sugar level in the bloodstream is controlled by the hormones glucagon and insulin. When a person ingests food, glucose levels in the bloodstream begin to increase. In turn, the body will signal the pancreas to secrete insulin, a hormone. Insulin will then allow the cells to use the glucose for energy. On the other hand, when the blood sugar levels drop, production of insulin reduces and the liver begins production of glucose. In a diabetic person, the pancreas is incapable of producing sufficient insulin that is needed by the body,
The normal blood sugar level ranges from 70 to 100 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) before breakfast as glucose levels may rise after breakfast, depending on diet. When blood sugar level dips below 60 mg/dL, symptoms of hypoglycemia begin to manifest. In insulin reactions, blood sugar level is below 50 mg/dL,where brain function may be impaired. A glucose meter can be used to check blood sugar level.
What Causes Insulin Reaction?
Insulin reaction occurs when there is an overdose of insulin in the body. Food intake imbalance, leading to unaware amounts of insulin in the body, may lead to excessive insulin:
- Skipped meal and taking diabetes medication
- Missing a meal and exercising
- Too much insulin ingested (oral medications) or injected
What are the Symptoms of Insulin Reaction?
Symptoms of insulin reaction will vary in severity, depending on the amount of insulin is in the body.
- Mild symptoms of insulin reaction
- Hunger
- Dizziness
- Irritability
- Shaking and sweating
- Fast heartbeat
- Moderate symptoms of insulin reaction
- Headache and confusion
- Loss or poor body coordination
- Severe symptoms of insulin reaction
- Seizures
- Loss of consciousness
- Stroke-like symptoms
- Hypothermia
How is First Aid Given in Insulin Reaction?
Insulin reaction is a medical emergency and need to be treated immediately to avoid complications, such as brain damage. The following steps should be done in cases of insulin reaction.
- For mild to moderate symptoms, give food containing high sugar. These include:
- 3 to 4 glucose tablets
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/3 cup apple juice
- 5 hard candies
- 2 large or 6 small sugar cubes in water
- 1/4 to 1/3 cup of raisins
- If possible, test blood sugar after 15 minutes. If blood sugar level persists below 70 mg/dL, give another high-sugar containing food. Do this also if symptoms persist.
- Give small snacks, such a half a sandwich or 4-6 crackers with 1 tablespoon peanut butter, if the person’s next meal is more than 30 minutes away.
It is highly recommended for diabetics and those who live with diabetics to take first aid training and CPR courses, in cases insulin reaction and other diabetes-related emergencies may occur.