Insulin therapy, while crucial for managing diabetes, can have several side effects. Here's a breakdown of what you might experience:
Common Side Effects of Insulin
| Side Effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Hypoglycaemia (Hypos) | Blood glucose levels dropping too low; can cause dizziness, confusion. |
| Injection Site Reactions | Itching, redness, pain, bleeding, or bruising where you inject. |
| Lipohypertrophy | Fatty lumps forming under the skin at injection sites. |
| Vision Changes | Changes in vision can sometimes occur. |
Hypoglycaemia: The Most Common Risk
Hypoglycaemia, often referred to as "hypos," is a significant concern with insulin use. It occurs when your blood glucose levels drop too low. This can happen if you:
- Take too much insulin.
- Skip meals or delay eating.
- Exercise more intensely than usual.
Symptoms of Hypoglycaemia may include:
- Shakiness
- Sweating
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Rapid heartbeat
It's important to treat hypos quickly with fast-acting glucose, like glucose tablets or juice.
Injection Site Issues
When injecting insulin, you might experience reactions such as:
- Itching or redness: The skin around the injection site may become irritated.
- Pain: The injection itself can be painful.
- Bleeding or bruising: You may notice slight bleeding or bruising.
- Fatty lumps (Lipohypertrophy): Repeated injections in the same area can cause lumps of fat under the skin. Rotating injection sites is important to avoid this.
Vision Changes
Some people may experience changes in their vision when starting insulin therapy. This is typically temporary as your body adjusts to the medication and should improve over time.
Managing Insulin Side Effects
Here are some ways to mitigate the side effects of insulin:
- Monitor your blood glucose levels regularly: This helps in avoiding hypos and understanding insulin's effects.
- Follow a consistent meal plan: Eating meals and snacks at regular times helps in preventing fluctuations in blood sugar.
- Rotate injection sites: This helps prevent lipohypertrophy and other injection site issues.
- Consult with your healthcare provider: Discuss any concerns or side effects with your doctor or diabetes educator.
- Be careful when exercising: Adjust your insulin dose or carbohydrate intake if you plan to exercise intensely.
By being proactive and informed about the side effects, you can safely and effectively manage your insulin treatment.
