Many physicians prescribe insulin treatment for patients with diabetes. Insulin overdose can occur in these patients if too much insulin is given. Patients need to be aware of changes in their eating habits or medications that can affect the levels of glucose in the body. Since insulin treatment can be complicated, a person can overdose accidentally quite easily, according to eMedTV.com. Understanding what an insulin overdose is and how to manage and avoid the condition is important for all patients using this medication.
Function
Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that the body uses to convert food into energy. Insulin also helps the body store energy, according to MayoClinic.com. Patients with diabetes are unable to produce enough insulin or are unable to effectively use the insulin that is present. The lack of insulin affects how the body uses glucose and can damage the function of the cells of the body. For these patients, additional insulin must be injected under the skin so that the body can continue to function properly.
Types of Insulin
The different types of insulin vary by parameters such as when the drug starts working in the body, when it is working the hardest in the body, and how long it is working in the body, according to the American Diabetes Association. Some insulins begin working shortly after injection and are called rapid-acting insulins. Others do not start working for hours and last for up to 24 hours; these are called long-acting insulins. Other types of insulins have varying onsets and lengths of action. It is important for the patient to understand the action of the different insulins in order to avoid an overdose. An overdose in shorter-acting insulins tends to be more dangerous than longer acting insulins, according to eMedTV.com.
Symptoms of Overdose
Insulin overdose leads to symptoms of hypoglycemia, which is a state of very low blood glucose levels. According to Drugs.com, the symptoms of insulin overdose include weakness, problems with vision, sweating, stomach pains and tremors. These patients may also experience seizures or lapse into a coma. If the low blood glucose levels are not corrected quickly, insulin overdose can lead to death.
Treatment
According to eMedTV.com, the treatment of an insulin overdose includes correction of the low blood glucose levels and supportive care. If the patient is still conscious, a glucose solution is given by mouth. But if the patient is unconscious, a medical professional will inject a hormone called glucagon, which increases blood sugar levels in the body. The patient will also receive fluids through a vein in order to maintain hydration. The physicians will then treat any other complications as well.
Prevention/Solution
Insulin overdose can be avoided by carefully administering insulin dosages. Other substances may affect the way that the body reacts to insulin so if these substances are changed, the amount of insulin needed by the patient may also change. According to Drugs.com, beta blocker medications such as atenolol and propranolol that can be used to treat high blood pressure and other conditions may make it difficult for a person to recognize that blood sugar levels are too low. Some non-prescription medications, such as appetite suppressants and allergy medications can also interfere with the action of insulin. Drinking alcohol may cause low blood sugar as well, according to MayoClinic.com. It is important to discuss any medication changes with the doctor so that the insulin dosage can be changed as needed.
