Insulin shock will MOST likely develop if a patient:

Insulin shock will MOST likely develop if a patient:

• A. misses a meal
• B. takes too little insulin
• C. exercises vigorously
• D. takes too much of his or her prescribed insulin

Answer: (D)

Insulin lowers blood glucose, so when there is too much insulin relative to the amount of glucose available, blood sugar falls too low. That drop deprives brain cells of fuel and leads to insulin shock. The most direct trigger is taking more insulin than the body needs, especially if meals are skipped or activity increases, which can further drive down glucose. Missing a meal or exercising vigorously can contribute to low blood sugar in someone using insulin, but an overdose of insulin is the most reliable and immediate cause. Taking too little insulin would raise blood glucose, not cause insulin shock. If monitoring shows low glucose or symptoms, treat with fast-acting sugar if the patient is awake, or follow protocols for glucagon or IV dextrose if they cannot safely swallow or are unconscious.

Insulin lowers blood glucose, so when there is too much insulin relative to the amount of glucose available, blood sugar falls too low. That drop deprives brain cells of fuel and leads to insulin shock. The most direct trigger is taking more insulin than the body needs, especially if meals are skipped or activity increases, which can further drive down glucose. Missing a meal or exercising vigorously can contribute to low blood sugar in someone using insulin, but an overdose of insulin is the most reliable and immediate cause. Taking too little insulin would raise blood glucose, not cause insulin shock. If monitoring shows low glucose or symptoms, treat with fast-acting sugar if the patient is awake, or follow protocols for glucagon or IV dextrose if they cannot safely swallow or are unconscious.