After a meal, food is converted into glucose, a simple form of sugar used for energy by the body. In order for the cells to be able to use the sugar, insulin must be present. In persons with diabetes the body either does not make enough insulin or is unable to use available insulin properly, which leads to high levels of blood sugar. To control this condition it may be necessary to administer insulin through an injection or pump. As important as insulin is; there are dangers of too high a dose of insulin. If the signs and symptoms of too much insulin occur, it is vitally important to treat them right away.
Coma
When administering insulin it is important to test blood sugar levels to make sure that not too much or too little was taken. Too much insulin can drop blood sugar levels dangerously low which is called hypoglycemia, warns the American Academy of Family Physicians on their FamilyDoctor.org informational website. Hypoglycemia can lead to severe fatigue, as the body does not have the energy it needs.
If hypoglycemia goes untreated it can lead to fainting spells, unconsciousness and even life-threatening coma. Drinking one-half a glass of non-diet soda or fruit juice can quickly bring blood sugar levels back up, FamilyDoctor.org says. Test again in 15 minutes and drink more juice or soda if blood sugar is still low; then retest. Repeat this process until levels return to normal.
Rapid Heart Rate
Diabetes medications can also cause too much insulin to build up in the body. Sometimes this condition can occur with no known cause. Blood sugar levels lower than 70 mg/dL require treatment right away.
The website MedlinePlus recommends keeping on the lookout for signs and symptoms such as breaking into a cold sweat and a fast pounding heart rate. The body may begin to shake and feelings of nervousness may occur.
Seizures
Exercise, meals, stress and other factors can all affect blood sugar levels, so testing is necessary to know how much insulin is needed. If too much is taken symptoms such as confusion, trouble concentrating, blurred vision, headaches and inability to control movement may occur.
In severe cases the body may even go into a seizure, warns the American Diabetes Association. Eating a high-sugar snack before symptoms become severe is the best way to prevent complications. Good snacks include two tablespoons of raisins or four to five saltine crackers. These are easy snacks that can be carried throughout the day to be readily available.
Numbness and Tingling
Sometimes too much insulin can cause numbness or tingling sensations around the mouth. However, regular testing is essential because of the possibility of developing hypoglycemia unawareness, in which a diabetic can pass out even though no symptoms of low blood sugar occur.
If a patient becomes unconscious it will be necessary to inject glucagon if available. If it is not available, the patient needs to go to an emergency room immediately.
