Insulin reactions occur when the concentration of glucose in your blood falls below or above normal.
A normal blood sugar level is about 100 mg/dl (milligrams per deciliter). Hypoglycemia is too little glucose in your system, or blood sugar levels below 70 mg/dl. Hyperglycemia is too much glucose in your system, or blood sugar levels above 126 mg/dl.
Symptoms
Mild symptoms of hypoglycemia include anxiety, hunger, dizziness, headache, sweating and blurry vision. More severe symptoms may include heart palpitations, confusion, abnormal behavior, convulsions and loss of consciousness.
Mild symptoms of hyperglycemia include increased thirst, frequent urination, headaches, blurred vision, fatigue and dry mouth and skin. More severe symptoms may include weight loss, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, rapid heartbeat and deep, labored breathing.
Causes
In diabetics, hypoglycemia can be caused by taking too much insulin, which can then cause your blood sugar to drop too low. It can also be caused by under eating or exercising more than normal after you take your insulin.
Hypoglycemia also can happen to individuals who do not have diabetes. Sometimes it will occur after meals because the body produces more insulin than needed. Delaying or skipping a meal, eating too little food, getting more exercise than normal and excessive alcohol consumption can all cause a drop in blood sugar levels.
Hyperglycemia may be caused by under eating and having too many calories, eating too many carbohydrates, skipping or forgetting to take your insulin, infections, illness or change in physical activity.
Prevention
Eating small meals more frequently throughout the day, and a diet low in carbohydrates will help keep your blood sugar levels from getting too low or too high. Also, check your blood sugar levels daily, as recommended by your doctor, to know where your levels and prevent an insulin reaction. If you are diabetic, it is important to follow the management plan developed by your doctor.
Treatment
A quick treatment for a hypoglycemic insulin reaction is to drink 1/2 cup of fruit juice, 1/2 cup milk, five to six pieces of hard candy or three glucose tablets. Wait 15 to 20 minutes and check your blood glucose levels again. If the blood glucose level is still too low, repeat the treatment and check it again in another 15 to 20 minutes. It is important to see a doctor if you suffer from any of the symptoms and to discuss a treatment plan. Hypoglycemia must be treated quickly as it can get worse and you could pass out if your levels get too low.
Exercising can often lower your blood glucose level if it is too high as in hyperglycemia. You will need to check your urine for ketones if your levels are above 240 mg/dl because exercising with ketones may make your blood glucose levels higher. Ketones are substances that are made when the body breaks down fat for energy. Ketones are made if your diet does not contain enough carbohydrates to supply the body with sugar for energy or if your body can't use blood sugar properly. If hyperglycemia is not treated promptly it could result in a condition called ketoacidosis (diabetic coma).
Tips
Consult your doctor if you have any of the noted symptoms for hypoglycemia or hyperclycemia
and discuss what blood sugar levels are too low or too high for you. Always have a plan for treatment. It is also important to discuss your plan with family members and friends so they know what to do if you should have an insulin reaction and need help.
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