What Should You Do If You Take Too Much Insulin?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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  1. Check your blood sugar. …
  2. Drink one-half cup of regular soda or sweetened fruit juice, and eat a hard candy or have glucose paste, tablets, or gel.
  3. If you skipped a meal, eat something now. …
  4. Rest. …
  5. Recheck your blood sugar after 15 or 20 minutes.

What happens if you give yourself too much insulin?

Excess insulin in the bloodstream causes

cells in your body to absorb too much glucose (sugar) from your blood

. It also causes the liver to release less glucose. These two effects together create dangerously low glucose levels in your blood. This condition is called hypoglycemia.

How long does an insulin overdose last?

If you have given too high a dose of long-acting insulin, this could affect you for

up to 24 hours

.

What happens if you take 200 units of insulin?

When daily insulin doses exceed 200 units/day,

the volume of U-100 insulin needed makes insulin delivery challenging

.

What happens when you take the wrong insulin?

Incorrect administration of insulin (e.g., too little, too much, or at the wrong times) can result in both

transient and serious hypo- and hyperglycemia

, wide glycemic excursions, severe hypoglycemia, and DKA.

What are the signs of insulin overdose?

  • Anxiety.
  • Confusion.
  • Extreme hunger.
  • Fatigue.
  • Irritability.
  • Sweating or clammy skin.
  • Trembling hands.

What is the max amount of insulin per day?

Uses: To improve glycemic control in patients with diabetes mellitus; U-500 insulin is for use in patients requiring more than

200 units

of insulin per day.

Is 10 units of insulin a lot?

For an 80-kilogram person, this would be 12 units. Another option is simply to start with 10 units of insulin, a

large enough dose to decrease blood glucose levels for most people

but not so large that it is likely to cause hypoglycemia.

Why is my blood sugar high even with insulin?

There are other possible causes of your high blood sugar, such as insulin resistance, which may run in your family. That’s when your

body doesn’t respond

as well as it should to the insulin it makes. Or, you may be taking a drug for another health problem that keeps your body from using it well.

Is it OK to inject insulin after eating?

Research shows that the best time to take a mealtime insulin is

15 to 20 minutes before you eat a meal

. You can also take it after your meal, but this may put you at a higher risk of a hypoglycemic episode. Don’t panic if you forget to take your insulin before your meal.

How much does 1 unit of insulin bring down blood sugar?

One unit of insulin should cause your blood sugar level to drop

30 to 50 mg per dL

, but you may need more insulin to get the same effect.

How much insulin can you inject at once?

Maximum Single-Injection Subcutaneous Dose

Although one reference suggests a

maximum up to 5 mL

,

3

a maximum of 2-3 mL is likely more reasonable. Because insulin glargine is supplied as 100 units/mL, a volume of 2 mL represents a single-dose of 200 units.

Does too much insulin cause weight gain?

It regulates blood glucose levels, promotes fat storage, and even help breaks down fats and protein. However, excess insulin, due to insulin resistance or taking diabetes medication,

can lead to weight gain

. People can use dietary and lifestyle changes to prevent insulin-related weight gain.

What happens if you don’t take long acting insulin?

Lantus is a long-acting insulin that works for 24 hours and should be taken regularly at the same time each day. If you miss taking your dose at the regular scheduled time,

your blood sugar levels may become high (hyperglycaemia)

.

How long do you have to wait between shots of insulin?

An increase in delay between insulin injection and eating to

45 minutes

would be a simple and safe way of improving blood glucose control in at least the 37% of the diabetic population surveyed in this study who currently allow less than 15 minutes.

What if I accidentally inject insulin into muscle?

Insulin should be injected into the

fatty

tissue just below your skin. If you inject the insulin deeper into your muscle, your body will absorb it too quickly, it might not last as long, and the injection is usually more painful. This can lead to low blood glucose levels.

Carlos Perez
Author
Carlos Perez
Carlos Perez is an education expert and teacher with over 20 years of experience working with youth. He holds a degree in education and has taught in both public and private schools, as well as in community-based organizations. Carlos is passionate about empowering young people and helping them reach their full potential through education and mentorship.