An overdose of insulin would cause the patient to go into which condition?

An overdose of insulin would cause the patient to go into which condition?

• A. Diabetic shock
• B. Ketoacidosis
• C. Hyperglycemic crisis
• D. Hyperglycemia

Answer: (A)

Insulin overdose lowers blood glucose, causing hypoglycemia. When blood sugar drops too low, the brain and body can’t function normally, leading to symptoms like confusion, weakness, sweating, and potentially loss of consciousness—often described in EMS as diabetic shock or insulin reaction. The other options describe high blood sugar states: ketoacidosis and hyperglycemic crises occur when there isn’t enough insulin, not when there is too much. Hyperglycemia simply means high blood glucose. So the overdose of insulin best fits diabetic shock, the hypoglycemic emergency. If the patient is conscious, give glucose-containing foods or drinks; if unconscious or unable to swallow, treat with IV dextrose or intramuscular glucagon.

Insulin overdose lowers blood glucose, causing hypoglycemia. When blood sugar drops too low, the brain and body can’t function normally, leading to symptoms like confusion, weakness, sweating, and potentially loss of consciousness—often described in EMS as diabetic shock or insulin reaction.

The other options describe high blood sugar states: ketoacidosis and hyperglycemic crises occur when there isn’t enough insulin, not when there is too much. Hyperglycemia simply means high blood glucose. So the overdose of insulin best fits diabetic shock, the hypoglycemic emergency. If the patient is conscious, give glucose-containing foods or drinks; if unconscious or unable to swallow, treat with IV dextrose or intramuscular glucagon.