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The Side Effects of Insulin Injections

Insulin is prescribed for people who have Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Insulin helps regulate how your body controls the movement of sugar from your blood into your tissues. According to the Mayo Clinic, when you have diabetes, you are unable to produce the insulin you need, or the insulin that is made cannot be used as it should. Insulin injections are necessary to keep your blood sugar stable and your body healthy. Insulin can cause side effects, although these effects are very rare.

  1. Common Side Effects

    • Insulin injections may cause a feeling of anxiousness, visual disturbances such as blurred vision, confusion, cold sweats, low blood sugar, depression and drowsiness. Other effects may include excessive hunger, fast heartbeat, headache, restlessness and irritability. If you begin to experience tingling in your hands, lips, face or tongue, slurred speech, or become drowsy to the point of feeling faint, seek immediate medical attention, as this is a severe reaction as a result of insulin.

    Rare Effects

    • Rare effects can include dry mouth, fast or weak pulse, itching, redness at injection site, stinging or soreness at injection site, increased thirst or irregular heartbeat. Other rare effects include mood swings, loss of appetite, muscle cramping, nausea and vomiting, skin rash, sweating, wheezing, weakness and shortness of breath. These types of effects require prompt medical attention if you experience them.

    Hypoglycemia

    • When taking insulin injections, it is important to follow your physician's directions in order to prevent complications such as hypoglycemia. According to Medicine Net, hypoglycemia can occur as a result of too much insulin in the body. Hypoglycemia can lower your blood pressure as well as cause you you to feel weak. You may also have headaches, sweating, shaking and a rapid heart rate. If you experience these symptoms, eat a source of glucose, such as glass of orange juice or a teaspoon of honey. Afterwards, discuss with your doctor the reactions you experienced.

    Hyperglycemia

    • Hyperglycemia is the result of your body receiving too little insulin. You may feel confused or drowsy. Other effects include rapid breathing, breath that smells fruity, increased urination or extreme thirst. According to Medicine Net, if you experience these symptoms you may need to speak with your physician in order to adjust your insulin dosage.

    Allergic Reactions

    • Allergic reactions are very rare but can occur. An allergic reaction can exhibit itself in a rash over the entire body. You may itch and have swelling. Other allergic reaction symptoms include profuse sweating, a feeling as if your heart is pounding and difficulty swallowing or breathing. If you experience these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.

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