Insulin Shock Treatment

Insulin shock, also known as "diabetic shock" or "hypoglycemic shock," occurs when a person with diabetes has a dramatic drop in blood glucose (sugar). The condition, which can be caused by lack of food, too much diabetes medication, extreme temperatures, emotional excitement or too much exercise, can be fatal if not treated quickly, but unless the patient has become unconscious, you can temporarily treat the shock with a dose of sugar. The patient should then be taken to a doctor to determine the underlying cause of the blood sugar drop.

Know the Symptoms

• Symptoms of diabetic shock include clammy skin, tremors, sudden muscle jerks, flailing, lack of balance, sudden extreme irritability, convulsions, drooling, slurred speech or other neurological effects. If you notice any of these symptoms in someone you know to be suffering from diabetes, treat the person for insulin shock.

Sugar

• Because the condition of insulin shock is caused by a significant drop in blood sugar, you should give the patient a dose of sugar immediately if you notice any of the symptoms associated with shock. A few pieces of hard candy, cup of sweet juice, piece of fruit or any food or drink item that is sweetened with real sugar (not artificial sweeteners) will help to stabilize the person suffering from insulin shock until you can call for help. Even though the dose of sugar may make them feel instantly well, you should insist that they be treated by a medical professional to find the underlying cause of the blood sugar drop.

Precautions

• Never put anything into the mouth of someone suffering from a seizure or coma. They may choke or aspirate the food or fluids into their lungs. If you are nearby when someone experiences a diabetic seizure or coma, move all objects away from their body to keep them from injury and call 911 immediately.