SIDE EFFECT OF
INSULIN THERAPY
-HYPOGLYCEMIA
Mild hypoglycemia is the major adverse or side effects of insulin therapy which accounted for more than 40% from the overall side effect reported in Malaysia. This effect happened when a patient take too much insulin, active more than usual and also eat inadequately. A person that having hypoglycemia or low blood glucose level will experience weak or tired, hungry, dizzy or shaky, sweaty and also nervous or upset. However this adverse effect can be prevented if the patient checking his/her blood glucose level by using testing kit frequently.
There are some side effects that can be caused by this therapy. Ranging from mild to severe. Thus, you should contact your doctor right away if this serious side effect occur.
-Vision Disturbance/ Blurry Vision
This type of adverse reaction usually occur temporary and may be last up to three months. However the cross section with the blindness is not reported.
-Hypokalemia
Hypokalemia refers to the condition in which the concentration of potassium (K+) in the blood is low. This is because insulin stimulates the movement of potassium from blood into cells thus, lowering its concentration. Patient might suffer from irregular heartbeat, muscle weakness, numbness, fatigue and constipation.
-WEIGHT GAIN
As Insulin causes the absorption of glucose from the blood into the skeleton and fat tissue, the excess intake of the exogenous insulin can cause an increase in the body weight of an individual.
Source:
1.Diabetes.co.uk. 2014. Insulin Side Effects. [online] Available at: http://www.diabetes.co.uk/insulin/insulin-side-effects.html
2. Omudhome Ogbru, P. 2014. Insulin for Diabetes Treatment (Types, Side Effects, and Preparations) Symptoms, Causes, Treatment - What are the side effects of insulin? - MedicineNet. http://www.medicinenet.com/insulin_for_diabetes_treatment_types_side_effects/page2.htm#what_are_the_side_effects_of_insulin
3.Novonordisk.com. 2014. Side effects of insulin - Novo Nordisk A/S. [online] Available at: http://www.novonordisk.com/diabetes_care/diabetes_medicine/insulins/side_effects_of_insulin.asp