Beware the Risk of Insulin Overdose

An insulin overdose can be extremely dangerous. Insulin can be a difficult medication to properly dose, and it is actually fairly easy to accidentally overdose on this medication. It is very important to recognize the symptoms of an overdose and to know exactly how to respond.
 
If you or someone else may have overdosed on insulin, seek immediate medical attention.

An overdose with a short- or rapid-acting insulin is typically more dangerous than an overdose with an intermediate- or long-acting insulin (although an overdose with any type of insulin can be lethal). An overdose of insulin can be caused by several factors, such as misjudging how much insulin is needed. Also, not eating after taking a dose of a rapid- or short-acting insulin may result in an overdose. Eating less or exercising more than usual could also lead to an insulin overdose.

An insulin overdose can cause low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia), which can be quite dangerous. Some of the early symptoms of low blood sugar include:

-- Sweating
-- Extreme hunger
-- Dizziness
-- Cold sweats
-- Shakiness
-- Blurry vision

More severe symptoms include:
 
-- Seizures
-- Loss of consciousness
-- Changes in behavior, such as irritability
-- Loss of coordination
-- Difficulty speaking
-- Confusion
-- Coma
-- Loss of life
 
You may find that you have your own unique set of low blood sugar symptoms. Any time you suspect that you have low blood sugar levels, make sure to take immediate action. Also, it is a good idea to let others around you know how to spot your particular signs of low blood sugar levels (and how to react), as you may be too confused (due to low blood sugar levels) to recognize the signs and respond adequately.

Treatment for an insulin overdose will involve supportive care, which consists of treating the symptoms that occur as a result of the overdose. For example, supportive treatment options may include:
 
-- Fluids through an intravenous line (IV)
-- A glucagon injection to increase blood sugar levels
-- A sugar (glucose) solution to increase blood sugar levels
-- Other treatments based on the complications that occur.
 
It is important that you seek prompt medical attention if you believe you may have overdosed on insulin.