Insulin is a widely used medication for people with diabetes. It helps in regulating the blood sugar levels of people who have been diagnosed with diabetes mellitus. It controls and stabilizes the condition of blood glucose. This type of hormone is necessary to avoid episodes of high glucose or surge in sugar.
When diabetes occurs, the body is not able to use or produce enough insulin. That is why insulin injections are the first form of treatment given to diabetic individuals. It acts as a replacement or supplement to the body’s lack of insulin production.
While insulin injections are clearly effective in preventing diabetes attacks, some individuals also tend to develop an insulin allergic reaction.
What is an insulin allergy?
An insulin allergy refers to the emergence of adverse reactions after being administered an insulin injection. The reactions can happen after a few minutes or even hours following the application of a single dose of insulin into the skin.
What are the symptoms of this allergic reaction?
The first sign of allergic reaction occurs at the injection site. Some people tend to feel pain and inflammation, which can be very aggravating. Some symptoms are the following:
- Swelling at the injection site
- Redness of the skin or appearance of rashes
- Itchiness of the skin
- Burning sensation at the injection site
- Breathing difficulty
- Swelling of the mouth and throat
Remedy and Prevention
When an insulin allergic reaction occurs to you, report the condition to your healthcare professional immediately. The first thing to look at for this phenomenon is the type or brand of insulin being used. If the brand is not safe for your own usage, you will likely receive a new prescription detailing the new brand of insulin to use. The injection, which includes the needle, will also be changed to ensure that the needle won’t be the reason for the skin inflammation. Furthermore, you may also be prescribed antihistamines to treat and alleviate episodes of allergies.
