Understanding Insulin Overdose: Causes and Symptoms

What Is Insulin?

Insulin is vital in the management of diabetes, a condition that affects how the body processes sugar from the food you eat. People with diabetes often require insulin to help regulate their blood sugar levels. However, taking too much insulin can lead to a condition known as insulin overdose. 

In this article, we will understand what is insulin overdose, including its causes and symptoms.

Insulin Overdose – What Is It?

An insulin overdose occurs when an excessive amount of insulin is taken, potentially disrupting your body’s normal functions. Understanding the signs and risks associated with an insulin overdose is vital for your well-being.

Symptoms of Insulin Overdose

The insulin overdose symptoms relate to low sugar or hypoglycemia, and the severity of symptoms or the intensity will depend upon the severity of hypoglycemia, which can be: 

1. Shakiness: A pronounced trembling or shakiness.

2. Sweating: Excessive sweating, even in cool conditions.

3. Fast heartbeat: An abnormally rapid heartbeat.

4. Hunger: An intense and persistent feeling of hunger.

5. Weakness: A profound loss of strength and energy.

6. Blurry vision: Visual disturbances resulting in unclear vision.

7. Confusion: A state of mental disorientation.

8. Coma: A state of loss of consciousness 

When can be seen the overdose symptoms?

Insulin overdose symptoms can be seen immediately or can be delayed depending on the type of insulin used and the amount taken. 

1. Immediate – Short Acting

• Overdosing fast-acting insulin can cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) within 15 minutes of injection.
• Symptoms of hypoglycemia include shakiness, dizziness, anxiety, sweating, confusion, rapid heartbeat, and blurred vision.
• In severe cases, hypoglycemia can cause seizures, loss of consciousness, and even death.

2. Delayed – Long Acting

• Overdosing on long-acting insulin can cause delayed effects, which may be persistent and can last a few days to a week.
• Symptoms of hypoglycemia due to long-acting insulin overdose can be delayed and may not appear until several hours after the injection.
• In severe cases, hypoglycemia can cause disorientation, seizures, and even death.

If you suspect an insulin overdose, it is important to monitor your blood sugar levels closely and seek medical attention if necessary.

Accidental Overdose – How Does It Happen?

Sometimes, an accidental overdose occurs due to errors in insulin administration, such as mistakenly taking a double dose. These accidents can have severe consequences, including the risk of life-threatening situations.

Points to consider: 

Insulin overdose is commonly observed in:

• Elderly people with eye complications or visual disturbances.
• Wrong selections of syringe or vial for the prescribed insulin.

What to Do if You’ve Taken Too Much Insulin?

If you experience these symptoms or suspect an insulin overdose:

1. First, check your blood sugar, followed by consuming a source of rapidly absorbing sugar, such as fruit juice or candy.

2. Talk to your healthcare provider, especially if the overdose is severe and requires hospitalization.

How to Prevent an Insulin Overdose?

1. Always adhere to the prescribed insulin dosage recommended by your healthcare provider.

2. Double-check your insulin amounts before administration.

3. Maintain a consistent insulin schedule.

4. Check the label/leaflet before use

5. Read your prescription carefully before taking

6. Consult your healthcare provider if you have any doubts before starting your insulin

FitterTake

Understanding the correlation between insulin and diabetes and the risks associated with insulin overdose is essential for the well-being of people managing diabetes. Always follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations and exercise caution when managing your insulin dosage. 

To reverse your diabetes, consider consulting our team of experts for Fitterfly’s Diabetes Prime Programme. You can also speak with us by just giving us a missed call at 08069450746, and we will definitely get back to you.