What is a key sign of insulin shock?

A key sign of insulin shock is low blood sugar, also known as hypoglycemia. Insulin shock occurs when there is an excessive amount of insulin in the bloodstream, which can lead to a significant drop in blood glucose levels.

This condition typically arises in individuals with diabetes who may administer too much insulin, skip meals, or engage in excessive physical activity without adjusting their insulin dosage. The symptoms of low blood sugar can be quite severe and may include confusion, weakness, sweating, trembling, and in extreme cases, loss of consciousness or seizures. Recognizing hypoglycemia is critical for prompt treatment, which generally involves providing the patient with a source of quick-acting carbohydrate, such as glucose tablets or juice.

In contrast, high blood sugar is associated with conditions such as hyperglycemia and diabetic ketoacidosis, not insulin shock. Rapid weight loss may occur in poorly controlled diabetes but is not a direct indicator of insulin shock. Increased thirst is a common symptom of hyperglycemia as well and doesn’t pertain specifically to low blood sugar episodes. Therefore, low blood sugar is definitive when identifying insulin shock.