Diabetes Basics
Insulin Overdose
Insulin is a hormone naturally produced by the
pancreas. It enables the body to use the sugar in food as a source of
energy. When the body does not produce enough insulin, or when the
insulin produced by the body is not effective enough, the condition is
called diabetes mellitus. It allows sugar levels in the blood to become
very high. Diabetics must use man-made insulin or insulin that comes
from pigs (which is very similar to human insulin) to lower these high
blood sugar levels.
One danger with insulin is
insulin overdose. Symptoms of an insulin overdose reflect very low blood
sugar levels and include headache, irregular heartbeat, increased heart
rate or pulse, sweating, tremor, nausea, increased hunger, and anxiety.
It can cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). If you suspect overdose,
seek medical attention immediately. For further information on insulin
and suicide, read Risk
Factors For Type 1 Diabetes.
But, what if there is misuse of
insulin. There are reports about the intentional overdose of insulin.
The intentional overdosing of insulin is probably more common than what
is generally appreciated. There are also reports of insulin abuse by
injecting larger doses that lead to mild hypoglycemic state. This is
extremely dangerous. Intentional massive overdoses of insulin are meant
to commit suicide. The main danger connected with insulin overdose is
the resultant hypoglycemia and its effects on the central nervous
system; hypokalemia, hypophosphatemia, and hypomagnesemia also can
develop with excess insulin administration. Dextrose infusion, with
liberal oral intake when possible, and monitoring for electrolyte
changes, making adjustments as needed, are recommended for the treatment
of intentional insulin overdose.
The link between insulin and
suicide is disturbing. Though rare, it encourages diabetes insulin
misuse. Insulin is intended for diabetes treatment and diabetes care.
Insulin which is a panacea for all type diabetes- type 1 diabetes or
juvenile diabetes, type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes should not
be abused. Diabetes education and joining diabetes association may help
you out and then you won't perhaps think of insulin overdose.