What insulin reactions are, what causes them, and how to treat them.
Every person who takes insulin injections runs the risk of occasionally suffering insulin reactions. It's important to recognize the symptoms, know how to treat them and what to do to avoid them.
What is an insulin reaction? When a person who uses insulin over-exercises, takes too much insulin, waits too long for a meal or skips a meal, their blood sugar levels may fall too low. This dropping of the blood sugar is referred to as "˜hypoglycemia', or insulin reaction. It must be treated as soon as possible. A diabetic should never ignore an insulin reaction; it won't go away on its own and if left untreated can lead to more severe problems
What are the signs of an insulin reaction? Symptoms vary from diabetic to diabetic, but the classic signs are shakiness, dizziness, sweating, hunger, headache, confusion, tingling of the tongue, or sudden mood changes. If the blood sugar falls too low, the person may lose consciousness, or in extreme cases, lapse into a coma or even die.
How should an insulin reaction be treated? As soon as symptoms are noticed, the person needs to eat something. If the reaction is mild, a few ounces of milk or some juice and a few crackers will help. For a more severe reaction, have the person eat or drink something containing sugar such as sugar sweetened soda, candy or glucose tablets. If they don't feel better in about 10 or 15 minutes, have them eat something else. If a diabetic experiences a reaction and it's not close to a mealtime, the treatment should be followed with a regular snack containing some form of carbohydrate and protein.
What if the person passes out? If someone having an insulin reaction loses consciousness, they need an injection of glucagon. (This is a prescription drug that raises blood sugar and is injected like insulin. This drug is available only by prescription and a doctor or health care provider will usually prescribe glucagon emergency kits for their insulin dependent patients.) Never put anything into the person's mouth if they are unconscious! Call 911 and stay with them until help arrives.
How can insulin reactions be avoided? By eating snacks before engaging in any extra activity or playing sports, always staying on the meal schedule, never skipping meals, and by taking insulin in the proper doses, it will be easier to maintain more normal blood sugars and avoid reactions. The insulin dependent diabetic should always carry small snacks with them, such as peanut butter or cheese crackers. It's important to have a source of sugar, like hard candy or sugar cubes, on hand at all times. They should also check their blood sugar levels frequently.
Remember, it's important for a diabetic to wear some form of identification at all times that will let others know about the diabetes. Sometimes a person suffering from an insulin reaction will appear to be intoxicated or "˜crazy'. The identification will help make sure the diabetic gets the help needed in case of an emergency.
For more information on diabetes, check out the American Diabetes Association or the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation. These organizations have all the most up-to-date information on treatments, diet, insulin therapy and diabetic complications.
