Description Causes low blood gl...
Description
Causes low blood glucose levels and if severe can result in seizures, coma, stroke and death. The overdose can occur by accident through a medication error, or by purposeful injection. Insulin overdose can also occur if the normal dose is taken and the patient doesn't eat enough calories for the dose injected or if the normal dose lasts longer than usual (as may occur with kidney failure). Insulin overdose and a low blood sugar should always be considered when a person with diabetes feels unwell or is not acting normally.
Symptoms
Confusion, sleepiness, slurred speech, incoordination, seizure, coma.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Once an insulin overdose is discovered, your doctor will search for an explanation.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), Urinalysis (UA), X-ray
Specialists:
Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Pediatric Endocrinology
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Once an insulin overdose is discovered, your doctor will search for an explanation.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), Urinalysis (UA), X-ray
Specialists:
Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Pediatric Endocrinology
Treatment
Reverse the low sugar either with food, or oral or intravenous glucose. Intramuscular glucagon can be given to stimulate the body to produce extra glucose. The cause of the insulin overdose must be addressed and reversed to prevent a recurrence.