Insulin Reaction and how it can be Managed

Insulin reaction otherwise known as hypoglycaemia is a condition whereby the blood glucose level becomes abnormally low; to as low as 50-60mg/dl (2.75-3.3mmol per litre). Statistics have it that a great percentage of occurrences take place before meal. However, the phenomenon could occur at any time- day or night.
Insulin reaction is caused by too much insulin or overdosage, too little food, omission of food or delay to take food after the administration of insulin or oral hypoglycaemic drug; excessive physical activity, or as a result of gastrectomy.
This phenomenon usually occurs as a result of deprivation of the brain cells of glucose supply for upward of more than 6 minutes. The fall in blood sugar level causes the sympathetic nerves to become stimulated thereby leading to an increased production of adrenalin. The adrenalin produced in turn causes sweating, palpitation, nervousness, tremor and tachycardia. A gradual and continual fall in the blood glucose results in depression of the central nervous system which in turn manifests in headache, light-headedness, confusion, memory lapses, emotional changes, slurred speech, numbness of the tongue, double vision, drowsiness, staggering gait, convulsion and eventually coma.
How is it managed?
This condition can be managed by quickly administering rapidly absorbable concentrated sugar e.g. Orange juice, glucose drink, lumps of sugar, or honey. If there is no improvement after 15 minutes of administering the drink the same treatment can be repeated. In a patient that cannot swallow however, 30-50ml of 50% glucose in water should be administered intravenously. 1-2mg of Glucagon may also be administered subcutaneously to help increase glycogenolysis (the release of stored glycogen for the body’s use) and so bring about an increase in blood sugar level.
The patient should however be told of the need to always prevent this from occurring since it is easier to prevent than to manage hypoglycaemia. The few things the patient can do to prevent this occurrence include performing urine glucose test to determine the insulin requirement, having a regular timetable and pattern for eating and administration of drugs as well as that for exercise, taking his meal at least 30 minutes before taking insulin, and taking additional food after engaging in strenuous physical activity.When the patient adhere to all these advice and also understands the signs and symptoms of hypoglycaemia, it becomes relatively easier to prevent this nasty occurrence as well as help keep the patient in good shape at all times.