What are common side effects of insulin therapy?

Insulin therapy is a common treatment for diabetes, and it can lead to certain side effects that are important for patients and caregivers to recognize. One of the most common and concerning side effects of insulin therapy is hypoglycemia, which occurs when blood sugar levels drop too low due to an excess of insulin relative to food intake or physical activity. Symptoms of hypoglycemia can include shaking, sweating, confusion, and irritability, which may require immediate intervention to restore blood sugar levels to a safe range.

Weight gain is another prevalent side effect associated with insulin use. This can happen because insulin facilitates the storage of glucose and fat in the body, and it can also stimulate appetite. Many people with diabetes may find that their weight increases after they begin insulin therapy, which can be a significant concern for their overall health management.

In contrast, headaches and dizziness, nausea and vomiting, as well as fatigue and dry skin, while they can occur in various contexts or as a result of other factors in a diabetic patient’s health, are not specifically tied to insulin therapy in the same way. This highlights the importance of monitoring blood sugar levels and being aware of the effects of insulin to manage diabetes effectively and safely.