What are the adverse reactions of insulin?
Jul 22, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, insulin is an important medication for the treatment of diabetes. However, the following adverse reactions may occur during its use, including hypoglycemia, weight gain, injection site reactions, edema, allergic reactions, and others. Insulin-related adverse effects are often associated with dosage, method of administration, and individual differences. The risks can be effectively reduced through proper medication use, regular monitoring, and timely adjustments.
Generally speaking, insulin is an important medication for treating diabetes, but the following adverse reactions may occur during its use, including hypoglycemia, weight gain, injection site reactions, edema, and allergic reactions. A detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Hypoglycemia
This is a relatively common and concerning adverse reaction, often caused by excessive dosage, insufficient food intake, or excessive exercise. Symptoms include dizziness, palpitations, sweating, hand tremors, and hunger. Severe cases may lead to impaired consciousness or even coma. Prompt sugar supplementation, such as oral glucose or sugar-containing foods, is necessary to alleviate symptoms.
2. Weight Gain
Insulin promotes the synthesis of glycogen, fat, and protein in the body. Long-term use may lead to weight gain, especially when the dosage is not appropriately controlled. Adjusting diet, increasing physical activity, and optimizing medication dosages can help reduce excessive weight gain.
3. Injection Site Reactions
These include local redness, pain, itching, or subcutaneous fat proliferation or atrophy. The former is usually due to drug irritation or improper injection technique and typically resolves spontaneously within several days. The latter is associated with long-term injection at the same site, and rotating injection sites can help prevent this occurrence.
4. Edema
Some patients may experience mild edema when initiating insulin therapy. This occurs because insulin promotes sodium reabsorption in the renal tubules, leading to fluid and sodium retention. Symptoms may include mild swelling in the lower limbs or face. Usually, no specific treatment is required, and the condition typically resolves spontaneously within several weeks.
5. Allergic Reactions
Although rare, allergic reactions are serious. They are mostly localized allergies, although a few cases may present with systemic allergic reactions such as difficulty breathing and decreased blood pressure. These reactions may be related to impurities in insulin preparations or individual allergic predispositions. Immediate medical attention is necessary to adjust the medication regimen.
Adverse reactions to insulin are often associated with dosage, method of administration, and individual differences. Risks can be effectively reduced through proper medication use, regular monitoring, and timely adjustments. If severe discomfort occurs, immediate medical attention is recommended.
