What is insulin shock?

Insulin shock refers to a significant and potentially life-threatening condition resulting from a dangerously low level of blood glucose, primarily caused by an excess of insulin in the body. This state can occur in individuals with diabetes who have administered too much insulin, missed a meal, or engaged in excessive physical activity without adjusting their insulin dosage.

When insulin levels are high, it drives the sugar from the bloodstream into the cells, leading to a rapid decrease in blood glucose levels. If these levels fall too low, the individual may experience symptoms such as confusion, sweating, shakiness, and in severe cases, loss of consciousness or seizures. Immediate treatment, typically by consuming fast-acting carbohydrates like glucose or juice, is essential to restore normal blood sugar levels.

Other options mention situations like mild hypoglycemia or reactions to high blood sugar, which are not consistent with the definition of insulin shock. Instead, insulin shock specifically highlights the severe consequences of excessively low blood glucose due to insulin's actions, making it a serious medical condition that requires prompt intervention.