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Insulin Reaction (cont.)

Medical Treatment

Emergency treatment will typically consist of administration of sugar in the form of IV dextrose solution. Continuous IV infusions may be required. Glucagon may be given by injection if IV access is difficult to obtain or if hypoglycemia continues despite dextrose treatment. Blood sugar levels will be monitored to guide therapy. Usually, the person can be released when blood sugar levels have stabilized for several hours and the person has eaten.

  • People with severe insulin reactions may often be hypothermic (have an abnormally low body temperature), which may require warming measures by the physician.


  • People with continuing hypoglycemia or elderly persons who have severe insulin reactions often require hospitalization for continued monitoring and stabilization. Admission is also required if the person had a heart attack or has severe infection (sepsis).



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Somogyi Phenomenon »

In the 1930s, Somogyi speculated that hypoglycemia induced by insulin could cause a counter-regulatory hormone response that produces hyperglycemia.

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