Insulin Overdose
The primary repercussion of an insulin overdose is hypoglycemia (abnormally low blood sugar usually resulting from excessive insulin or a poor diet). This condition is the one which is responsible for bringing on the different medical signs and symptoms of insulin overdose.
Early insulin overdose side effects include sweating, dizziness, cold sweats, shakiness, blurred vision and extreme hunger. These symptoms may be followed by the ones which may be more severe by nature. The affected person may experience his heart beats getting faster than normal or taking on an irregular pattern. This might cause unusual sensations in the chest area. Coordination problems, confusion and difficulty in talking, may also be noticed as insulin overdose symptoms. The person who has been overdosed with insulin, may appear more irritable, confused and abnormally anxious. So as we can see, the insulin overdosed symptoms are also visible in the form of behavioral changes in the affected person. Seizures, tremors, loss of consciousness and coma (a state of deep and often prolonged unconsciousness; usually the result of disease or injury) are the other possible symptoms which are indicative of an overdose of the medicine. In some cases, the overdose can be of such an extreme degree, that it might even cause death of the overdosed person. Read more on side effects of insulin.
As a conclusion to this article on insulin overdose symptoms, let us discuss about the treatment. The treatment generally consists of managing the symptoms which have occurred. Intravenous line fluids may be administered to the patient, glucagon injection or a sugar solution may be given in order to raise the dropped sugar levels and methods may be applied in order to treat other complications, which have occurred due to the overdose. Diabetic patients are advised to carry glucose tablets in order to counter the effects of accidental insulin overdose. However, it is always safe and wise to reach for prompt medical intervention when any such symptoms or signs are visible.
Humalog
It is one of the rapid acting insulin types available in the market. 'Insulin lispro' is the active ingredient present in humalog. Action of this type of insulin begins in just 15-20 minutes and its effect lasts for 2-5 hours. Since it is a fast-acting form of insulin, humalog delivers best results when consumed during meal times.
Actrapid
The mode of action of actrapid is the same as natural insulin found in body. Action of actrapid starts in 30-60 minutes and its effect lasts for about 8 hours. To provide overall control, actrapid can be used in combination with other, long-lasting types of insulin.
Causes for Side Effects of Insulin
• Overdose of Insulin
• Delayed or skipped meals
• Uneven absorption of insulin
• Deteriorated functioning of the kidney
• Decreased secretions of thyroid or adrenal hormones hypoglycemia are sweating, dizziness, excessive hunger, increase in pulse rate, and blurred vision. Eating small amounts of food that is rich in sugar gives temporary relief from hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia directly affects the brain tissues. Severe hypoglycemia may result in coma. The sugar levels should be checked immediately after hypoglycemia. Checking sugar levels helps in further treatment of diabetes.
Weight gain: In diabetes, calories are not well-utilized. Intake of insulin increases the use of calories consumed by human body, this leads to weight gain. Weight gain in diabetes can be a serious issue. Diabetic patients must be very careful about the changes in their weight.
Loss of fatty tissues: Taking frequent injections of insulin can damage the fatty tissues in the injected area. Improper hygiene during medication may cause infections.
Allergic reactions: The area where the insulin is injected turns red and becomes itchy. Edema (swelling) is observed on a part or the whole body in some cases, due to excessive water retention. These side-effects are usually seen in first few weeks of therapy. In case allergic reactions last for more than two weeks, you should consult your physician. Syringes and pens used to take insulin should never be shared with others to avoid infections.
Upper respiratory tract problems: Coughing, respiratory tract infections and difficulty in breathing is seen in patients taking insulin via a pump. Very few patients are recommended to take insulin using an insulin pump.
Interactions with other drugs: The effect of insulin is nullified by many drugs consumed. These drugs may cause hyperglycemia in diabetic patients. Oral diabetic medications, alcoholic beverages, sulfonamide antibiotics, aspirin, Fibrate cholesterol medications, growth hormones are some of the drugs with which insulin reacts. Patients should consult the doctor if they are on some other drugs before taking insulin.
Pregnant women should take insulin only under medical observation. Breast-feeding mothers must adjust their insulin dosage with their diabetic diet. Insulin is prescribed by the physician taking into consideration many other aspects. Some of these aspects are your age, lifestyle, individual body response to insulin and blood sugar levels. Insulin must be taken under proper medical observation.
