Diabetic Insulin Side Effects

It is always important to learn about Insulin side effects for diabetics. Insulin is usually very safe, while most people tolerate this product well. However, knowing the potential insulin side effects and how to prevent them will make your experience with insulin a much more consonant.

Insulin is a natural occurring hormone released by the pancreas. Insulin is necessary for the cells of the body in order for them to get rid of and use glucose from the blood. The cells produce the energy that they need from glucose to accomplish their functions.

Patients with diabetes mellitus are unable to assume and use glucose from the blood, hence, as a result, the glucose level in the blood increases. In type 1 diabetes, the pancreas cannot produce enough insulin. Therefore, insulin therapy is needed. In type 2 diabetes, patients produce insulin, but cells throughout the body do not react normally to the insulin. Even so, insulin also may be used in type 2 diabetes to overcome the resistance of the cells to insulin.

By increasing the consumption of glucose by cells and bringing down the concentration of glucose in the blood, insulin prevents or cuts down the long-term complications of diabetes, including damage to the blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, and nerves. Insulin is administered by injection under the skin.

All medicines may cause side effects, but some people could have no, or minor, side effects. Temporary side effects to diabetics could be rashes, redness, swelling, itching, and bruises or mild pain at the injection site. Most common side effects remain or become bothersome when using Insulin regular. Insulin side effects amongst diabetics are rare, but when they do occur, allergic reactions can be severe and can pose a significant risk to health.

Insulin is also known to cause a few different side effects, such as:
1. Low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia) if too much is taken. Some symptoms include cold sweats, weakness, hunger, palpitations and dizziness. To counter this symptoms, take some glucose like sweat juice or honey.

2. High blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia) if too little is taken. Normally, this happens when meal is skipped after the jab.

3. Weight gain

4. A skin reaction at the site of the injection

5. Skin thickening or pitting or lumpy fat due to loss of fatty tissue at the site of the injection.

Diabetics are advised to regularly check their blood glucose levels using testing kits when taking insulin. If blood glucose tests show fluctuating or above-average levels, this would means that diabetes is not being properly controlled and insulin might not be working.

Diabetics should try to avoid infection by using disposable needles and syringes when taking insulin, and sterilizing any reusable equipment. To avoid other possible Insulin side effects, diabetics should also make an effort to know that some drugs are known to interact with insulin, diabetics should consult their GP for further information.