Diabetes, Insulin Overdose, and Other Complications
Diabetes, Insulin Overdose, and Other Complications
Don't worry about pushing your sugar too high if it's only for a short time. One high level won't hurt you, but a very low sugar level can.
Of course, if you're unconscious or too confused or are having seizures, those around you will need to take control. Give your family and friends these instructions:
Follow these steps:
In this article
- How to Avoid Mistakes
- Symptoms of an Insulin Overdose
- What to Do During an Insulin Overdose
- How to Prevent an Insulin Overdose
What to Do During an Insulin Overdose continued...
Don't worry about pushing your sugar too high if it's only for a short time. One high level won't hurt you, but a very low sugar level can.
Of course, if you're unconscious or too confused or are having seizures, those around you will need to take control. Give your family and friends these instructions:
- If you lose consciousness, they should call 911 immediately.
- They may need to inject you with glucagon, an insulin antidote. If you’re prone to low blood sugar, ask your doctor if you should have glucagon on hand at home.
- If you're alert enough to follow instructions, they should give you sweet juice to drink.
- If your symptoms don't steadily improve over the next hour, they should call 911.
How to Prevent an Insulin Overdose
Follow these steps:
- Keep a consistent schedule.
- Eat something at every mealtime. Even if you're not hungry, have some bread, a glass of skim milk, or a small serving of fruit. Never skip meals when you've taken insulin.
- Be prepared. Expect that you'll have insulin complications at some point. Pack hard candies in your bag and your partner's. Keep some in the car and in your travel bag, too.
- Make sure friends and family know the way you react to hypoglycemia so they can take action if your low blood sugar levels make you confused.
- Wear a medical alert bracelet that says you use insulin.
