Diabetic Insulin Reaction (Child)
Children with type 1 diabetes often need insulin shots. But if the insulin level rises too high, it can cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). This condition is called a diabetic insulin reaction. A diabetic insulin reaction can occur if too much insulin is given. It may also occur if the child is more active than usual, eats too little, or is ill.
An insulin reaction comes on suddenly. Children with mild reactions may be hungry, have a stomachache, or feel nauseated. They may cry for no reason. They may be shaky, sweaty, and pale. The child can also feel weak or tired, anxious, and confused. The child can act giddy or angry. A child can wake up from sleep with symptoms, such as crying out or having a nightmare. A severe reaction can cause seizures and coma.
Home care
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To treat an insulin reaction, first test your child's blood sugar, if possible. Then give your child something to eat or drink that contains 15 to 20 grams of fast-acting sugar. This is to raise the blood sugar.
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Wait 15 minutes after giving fast-acting sugar, then retest the blood sugar level. If the blood sugar level is still low, give your child another serving of fast-acting sugar. Repeat these steps until the child’s glucose level is 70 mg/dl or above. Contact your child's healthcare provider for advice, if needed.
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When their blood sugar returns to normal, your child should eat a small snack if the next meal or diabetic snack is more than 1 hour away.
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If a child has passed out, you may give a glucagon injection immediately, if you have one. Do a blood sugar test 15 to 20 minutes after the injection. An insulin reaction that is not treated can affect brain development.
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Fast-acting sugar products contain 15 to 20 grams of glucose or simple sugars. These include:
Prevention
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Help your child check their blood sugar level as advised by the healthcare provider. Try to keep the blood sugar in a normal range. Blood sugar needs to be checked more often when your child is very active or ill.
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If your child has had frequent episodes of hypoglycemia, talk to their provider. Ask if your child would benefit from a continuous glucose monitoring system. This can more closely track their blood sugars. In some cases, an insulin pump delivery system might also be appropriate.
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Ensure that your child eats healthy meals and snacks on a regular basis. It's important not to skip meals. Your child should eat a snack before vigorous play or sports.
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Help your child learn to recognize the early symptoms of low blood sugar. These symptoms can vary from child to child.
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Keep a record of your child’s reactions, including insulin given, activity level, and symptoms.
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Educate caregivers and school officials about your child’s condition and how to treat any reactions.
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Have your child wear a medical ID bracelet or necklace that identifies your child as having diabetes.
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Contact your child's healthcare provider if you have any questions about how to care for your child.
Follow-up care
Follow up with your healthcare provider, or as advised. They may want to adjust your child’s insulin dosage. Follow the healthcare provider’s instructions. They may also recommend a glucagon injection kit.
Special note to parents
Insulin reactions may occur despite your best efforts to prevent them. As advised by the healthcare provider, you and your child should carry sugar glucose tablets, candy, or a glucagon injection kit with you at all times.
Call 911
Call 911 if your child has a severe reaction, such as a seizure, convulsions, or unconsciousness.
When to call your healthcare provider
Call your child's healthcare provider right away if any of these occur:
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2 or more reactions occur within a short time of each other
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You aren't able to keep blood sugar in the normal range
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Your child remains confused or has personality changes