Insulin shock can be a very dangerous, or potentially life-threatening, condition. More than 24 million Americans have diabetes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Insulin shock means your blood sugar, or glucose, is too low. Doctors call this condition hypoglycemia. Taking too much insulin can cause hypoglycemia, or insulin shock. If you or someone you love has diabetes, you need to learn the symptoms of low blood sugar--a life may depend on it.
Very Early Symptoms
Very early or very mild symptoms can be easy to miss. Headache and sudden, severe hunger are symptoms of lowering blood sugar levels. You may be unable to perform routine tasks. Some patients report heart palpitations. You may feel moody, irritable or cry for no apparent reason. Your mouth may have a tingling sensation. Clumsiness and jerky body motions are symptoms of slight hypoglycemia.
Mild Symptoms
Early or mild symptoms include sweating, shakiness, increased heart rate and anxiety. Hypoglycemia describes a blood sugar lower than 45 mg/dL, according to the Cleveland Clinic. You may experience these symptoms as your blood sugar levels begin to drop. A person with diabetes should test his glucose levels with a handheld glucometer at the first sign of these symptoms.
Moderate Insulin Shock
As blood sugar slowly decreases, you may feel weak, tired or dizzy. You may also feel this way if your glucose has taken a sudden and significant drop. As your blood sugar drops, you may have trouble concentrating or feel confused. You may experience blurred vision. Some people have difficulty talking. Treat insulin shock when symptoms first appear, as hypoglycemia can rapidly progress into a life-threatening situation.
Nighttime Symptoms
Episodes of hypoglycemia can occur during sleep. You may have nightmares or profuse sweating. Each person may experience different symptoms. A person with diabetes may have to change her eating routine to increase blood sugar levels overnight.
Severe Hypoglycemia
Convulsions, coma and death are symptoms of extreme insulin shock. Seizures are not common but may happen when sugar levels are very low. These are signs of a life-threatening situation that needs immediate medical attention.
Unconscious Patient
It is important to recognize insulin shock symptoms in an unconscious patient. He may have pale skin color and look sweaty. He may be having a seizure or his body may be jerking. Do call for an ambulance and check his blood sugar, if you know how. Do not try to give an unconscious person food or liquids. Insulin shock symptoms are signs of a serious medical condition.
