Question

An overdose of intravenous insulin may lead to the death of an individual due to
A. An excessive increase of blood glucose
B. An excessive decrease of blood glucose
C. An inhibition of glucagon secretion
D. An overproduction of histamine

Answer 1

The treatment method for treating elevated blood sugar (hyperglycemia) with intravenous insulin infusion is intravenous insulin therapy.

Complete Answer:
- Intravenous insulin is administered to selected critically ill patients with a diabetes emergency or other conditions affecting blood sugar that need immediate and successful regulation of hyperglycemia only in hospital ICU environments.
- With an injection into the fatty tissue under the skin (subcutaneous), self-administration of insulin by people with diabetes is often possible. Intravenous insulin therapy is done under medical supervision only, along with constant monitoring and variation of blood sugar levels. The only form of insulin that is intravenously administered is normal human insulin.
- In intravenous insulin administration, a fast-acting insulin analogue is unnecessary since the insulin is injected directly into the bloodstream and has an immediate effect.
- In order to make them fast-acting or long-lasting, an insulin analogue is human insulin genetically altered in the laboratory. To increase the rate of insulin absorption of subcutaneous insulin, rapid-acting analogue insulin may be used.
- Intravenous insulin works quickly and remains in the body for a very short time. Insulin is continually injected with sufficient dose titrations, depending on the blood sugar level, to maintain the optimal levels of glucose in the blood. Insulin helps the cells of the body collect sugar and use it as energy.
- The cells consume more sugar when there is too much insulin in the blood than they need to, leaving less sugar in the blood.
- As a consequence, hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, may occur. The body can't function properly when blood sugar levels are too poor. It can be life-threatening to have severe hypoglycemia. People call it insulin shock as it results from an overdose of insulin.
- People with signs of extreme hypoglycemia need medical attention immediately. They may not be able to get assistance on their own, so it may be important to help a person who is with them.
The person may be experiencing:
1. Struggling to think or focus
2. Convulsions
3. Consciousness deprivation
In extreme cases, there is a chance of death or coma from hypoglycemia.

Thus the correct answer is option (B) An excessive decrease of blood glucose.

Note: Insulin overdose treatment also requires the use of an intravenous (IV) solution of dextrose and electrolytes. The dextrose and electrolyte fluid is injected directly into a vein by a doctor. To ensure that they do not suffer any long-term harm, the individual will also need supervision.