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Definition of Insulin Shock

Severe hypoglycemia, also known as insulin shock, is a medical emergency that can lead to coma or death if untreated. It is usually caused by low glucose or high insulin levels in the blood.

  1. Definition

    • Insulin shock occurs when blood-glucose levels are severely low, resulting in confusion, disorientation or even a loss of consciousness. Individuals with a blood-glucose measurement of 50mg/dL or lower should seek treatment immediately.

    Symptoms

    • Common symptoms of insulin shock include hunger, sweating, dizziness or light-headedness, shaking and trembling, irritability, nervousness, fatigue and blurred or double vision.

    Causes

    • When glucose levels increase after a meal, the pancreas releases insulin, which helps transport glucose out of the bloodstream and into cells where it is used as fuel. In insulin shock, too much insulin in the bloodstream depletes glucose stores, or there is too little glucose because it is used quickly when not enough food is eaten. In diabetics, this can happen when too much insulin is taken or when an individual does not eat appropriately or exercises excessively without eating. Liver disease, tumors and too much alcohol can also contribute to insulin shock.

    Treatment

    • Consume snacks or drinks with fast-acting sugars that will raise blood-glucose levels. In addition, individuals suffering from severe hypoglycemia may require glucagon or glucose injections.

    Prevention/Solution

    • To prevent insulin shock, keep a snack or drink on hand for when symptoms occur. A diabetic should always heed the advice of his physician when it comes to food, exercise and medications, and, as an added precaution, test his glucose levels before taking insulin.

    Complications

    • Untreated cases may lead to a coma or seizures, which can result in nerve damage.

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