Individuals who are diagnosed with diabetes are given insulin in order to control the blood sugar levels. The insulin works by lowering the blood glucose level. In case excess insulin is taken or if the normal insulin dosage does not match with the level of activity and recent intake of food, the blood sugar drops to an abnormally low level. This condition is called hypoglycemia or insulin reaction.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ae_jC4FDOUc
The blood sugar level at or below 70 mg/dL indicates hypoglycemia. If an individual has an episode of hypoglycemia that requires help, it is considered as severe hypoglycemia or insulin shock. It is important to note that insulin shock is a life-threatening situation that requires prompt treatment that involves restoration of the blood glucose to normal levels.
Fast-release glucose products
Individuals who have diabetes or parents of diabetic children often have glucose gels, tablets or drinks on hand for managing insulin reactions. In case an insulin reaction occurs and the individual suffering the episode is still conscious and able to eat safely without the risk for choking, these rapid-release glucose products can be ingested to provide a quick dose of sugar to the body. Any improvement generally manifests within 15-20 minutes.
Glucose-rich foods and beverages
In case rapid-release products are not readily available, glucose-rich foods or beverages can be taken to increase the blood sugar level as long as the individual suffering from an insulin reaction can safely eat and swallow.
Soft drinks, fruit juices, milk, sports drinks, honey and hard candy are suitable sources of sugar that can be quickly absorbed from the gut into the bloodstream.
Injection of glucagon
Glucagon is a hormone that triggers an opposite effect of insulin – increasing the blood glucose level. The glucagon injections are utilized to manage insulin reactions particularly in cases where the individual suffering from a reaction has lost consciousness or has severely impaired consciousness.
Many individuals who have diabetes usually have a kit that includes a ready-to-use glucagon injection for insulin reactions. In most cases, improvement occurs within 10-25 minutes. Among those who have not been eating or have depleted stores of liver glucose will not gain any benefit from glucagon. In such cases, intravenous glucose is required.
Intravenous glucose
During emergency settings with the on-scene emergency team or in the emergency department, glucose that is given intravenously which is a dextrose solution is frequently utilized to manage an insulin reaction since the effect is immediate.
An infusion of intravenous dextrose can be controlled based on the repeated blood sugar levels over time. This can be considered as an advantage in restoring the blood sugar level without triggering evidently high blood sugar levels after an episode of hypoglycemia. If the blood glucose level has been restored out of hypoglycemic range, oral intake of food is resumed to restore the regular routine of eating, activity as well as insulin dosage.