Insulin

• Insulin serves an important purpose in the body. When food is consumed, carbohydrates are converted into glucose, and put into the bloodstream to provide energy to the body. When insulin is released by the pancreas, it attaches to the glucose in the blood, and moves it into individual cells. Higher levels of insulin in the bloodstream will result in larger amounts of sugar being removed from the blood.
  
  

Symptoms

• When too much insulin is present, as in an overdose, the amount of sugar removed from the bloodstream is excessive. The brain needs sugar to function, and excessively low blood sugar can lead to various symptoms. Headache, sweating and tremors can occur when blood sugar begins to get low, as well as dizziness, confusion, and heart palpitations. Other symptoms that can occur in someone who has overdosed on insulin are mood problems, and even coma or death.
  
  

Action

• Anyone who has taken too much insulin should immediately eat a simple carbohydrate, which will be absorbed into the bloodstream quickly. Diabetics often carry glucose tablets for this purpose, in case of an accidental overdose. In the event of a severe reaction, medical personnel will administer a glucose solution intravenously, while encouraging the patient to drink juice or other sweet drinks to facilitate immediate absorption.