What condition is caused by an excess of insulin in the blood?

Insulin shock, also known as hypoglycemic shock, occurs when there is an excess of insulin in the blood, leading to a significant decrease in blood glucose levels. Insulin facilitates the uptake of glucose by the body’s cells, and when there is too much insulin, it can cause the blood sugar level to drop dangerously low, which can result in confusion, disorientation, and even loss of consciousness if not addressed promptly.

Understanding the relationship between insulin and blood glucose is vital. In a healthy state, insulin lowers blood sugar levels after eating. However, in cases where insulin is administered (such as in people with diabetes), if more insulin is present than the body requires or if there is an inappropriate administration, hypoglycemia can occur, leading to symptoms associated with insulin shock.

In contrast, diabetic coma represents a state that can result from severely high blood sugar levels, while hypoglycemia specifically refers to low glucose levels, and hyperglycemia is characterized by elevated blood sugar levels. Thus, the condition that arises due to an excessive amount of insulin is accurately described as insulin shock.