How to Treat Insulin Shock
Recognize the symptoms of insulin shock., Expect the symptoms to begin and progress very quickly., Respond quickly., Wait for 5 minutes., When the sugar levels are at an acceptable level, continue with the person's normal meal schedule., Call an...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Recognize the symptoms of insulin shock.
If a person begins to show any or all of the following symptoms, respond quickly to decrease the severity of the attack:
The shakes Dizziness Weakness The sweats Headache Nervousness Moodiness (a key sign; may be irritability, confusion, anger, aggression, etc.) Increased heart rate Hunger Pale skin Disoriented behavior. -
Step 2: Expect the symptoms to begin and progress very quickly.
Be aware that sometimes people mistake a diabetic person as someone who has drunk too much alcohol (aggression, slurring, sweating, odor, etc.).
It may help to look for a medic bracelet but, provided you are safe, try to attend to helping the person regardless of the cause of the behavior.
If the person is very aggressive, get help.
It can be difficult sometimes to argue with a very determined and rather strong person about the need to ingest glucose quickly, so more help is always safer. , Bring the blood sugar level back up to normal.
If the person is conscious:
Give the sugary food such as honey, sugar, hard glucose candies (like barley sugar, boiled sweets) or a sugary drink (fruit juice, soda or milk).
If you have access to glucose tablets, give the person 3 glucose tablets, or follow the package instructions. , Within 5 minutes, the symptoms of low blood sugar should be improving.
During this time, ask the person to rest.
Reassure the person as much as possible.
If the symptoms abate, ask the person to keep resting for a while.
This has been an emergency situation and the person needs to take it easy.
Follow up with a sandwich and a banana/cookies, or similar food that takes a longer time to digest.
This will stop the energy crash that can occur after eating lots of sugar. , If you are concerned about how the person got to this state, you may need to follow up by taking the person to see a doctor for further examination and advice.
Indeed, it is strongly recommended that the person see a doctor anyway, as he or she has experienced a medical emergency. , If the person's blood sugar level does not improve within 10-15 minutes after giving glucose, if the person becomes unconscious or starts having a seizure, call an ambulance.
Over the phone, describe clearly what is happening.
Explain what you have already given the person and how the person has reacted.
Monitor the person's airway, breathing and circulation.
If conscious, reassure the person.
If the blood sugar level is still low, have the person consume some more glucose/sugary product.
If possible, keep the person sitting or lying down to rest.
Stay with and monitor the airway, breathing and circulation until emergency services arrive. , Liquid could cause the person to choke.
Instead, monitor the person's airway, breathing and circulation.
Place the person in the stable side position (recovery position) and keep monitoring the person until the ambulance arrives.
Reassure even if you think the person cannot hear or understand you.
At some level, just knowing someone is there taking care of you can be of great help. , Insulin shock happens when blood sugar levels plummet.
In most instances, this can be avoided.
The following advice will help reduce the potential for experiencing insulin shock:
Do not skip meals.
Eat small meals throughout the day.
Meals should be routinely timed and spaced at regular intervals.
Avoid taking too much medicine or insulin.
Keep from excessive bouts of exercise.
Refrain from alcohol.
The causes that cannot be helped are reactions to new medications, aging and illness.
The unfortunate fact is that sometimes it can happen for no reason at all.
In this case, simply be prepared as best you can by always having a source of glucose with you and letting others know where they can find it in a hurry, if needed. -
Step 3: Respond quickly.
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Step 4: Wait for 5 minutes.
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Step 5: When the sugar levels are at an acceptable level
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Step 6: continue with the person's normal meal schedule.
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Step 7: Call an ambulance if the attack is too severe.
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Step 8: If the person is unconscious
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Step 9: do not give anything to drink.
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Step 10: Avoid the causes of insulin shock.
Detailed Guide
If a person begins to show any or all of the following symptoms, respond quickly to decrease the severity of the attack:
The shakes Dizziness Weakness The sweats Headache Nervousness Moodiness (a key sign; may be irritability, confusion, anger, aggression, etc.) Increased heart rate Hunger Pale skin Disoriented behavior.
Be aware that sometimes people mistake a diabetic person as someone who has drunk too much alcohol (aggression, slurring, sweating, odor, etc.).
It may help to look for a medic bracelet but, provided you are safe, try to attend to helping the person regardless of the cause of the behavior.
If the person is very aggressive, get help.
It can be difficult sometimes to argue with a very determined and rather strong person about the need to ingest glucose quickly, so more help is always safer. , Bring the blood sugar level back up to normal.
If the person is conscious:
Give the sugary food such as honey, sugar, hard glucose candies (like barley sugar, boiled sweets) or a sugary drink (fruit juice, soda or milk).
If you have access to glucose tablets, give the person 3 glucose tablets, or follow the package instructions. , Within 5 minutes, the symptoms of low blood sugar should be improving.
During this time, ask the person to rest.
Reassure the person as much as possible.
If the symptoms abate, ask the person to keep resting for a while.
This has been an emergency situation and the person needs to take it easy.
Follow up with a sandwich and a banana/cookies, or similar food that takes a longer time to digest.
This will stop the energy crash that can occur after eating lots of sugar. , If you are concerned about how the person got to this state, you may need to follow up by taking the person to see a doctor for further examination and advice.
Indeed, it is strongly recommended that the person see a doctor anyway, as he or she has experienced a medical emergency. , If the person's blood sugar level does not improve within 10-15 minutes after giving glucose, if the person becomes unconscious or starts having a seizure, call an ambulance.
Over the phone, describe clearly what is happening.
Explain what you have already given the person and how the person has reacted.
Monitor the person's airway, breathing and circulation.
If conscious, reassure the person.
If the blood sugar level is still low, have the person consume some more glucose/sugary product.
If possible, keep the person sitting or lying down to rest.
Stay with and monitor the airway, breathing and circulation until emergency services arrive. , Liquid could cause the person to choke.
Instead, monitor the person's airway, breathing and circulation.
Place the person in the stable side position (recovery position) and keep monitoring the person until the ambulance arrives.
Reassure even if you think the person cannot hear or understand you.
At some level, just knowing someone is there taking care of you can be of great help. , Insulin shock happens when blood sugar levels plummet.
In most instances, this can be avoided.
The following advice will help reduce the potential for experiencing insulin shock:
Do not skip meals.
Eat small meals throughout the day.
Meals should be routinely timed and spaced at regular intervals.
Avoid taking too much medicine or insulin.
Keep from excessive bouts of exercise.
Refrain from alcohol.
The causes that cannot be helped are reactions to new medications, aging and illness.
The unfortunate fact is that sometimes it can happen for no reason at all.
In this case, simply be prepared as best you can by always having a source of glucose with you and letting others know where they can find it in a hurry, if needed.
About the Author
Justin Anderson
Justin Anderson has dedicated 10 years to mastering lifestyle and practical guides. As a content creator, Justin focuses on providing actionable tips and step-by-step guides.
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