Insulin is an essential medication for many people with diabetes, but its use can cause a range of side effects. The most common and important side effects include:
- Hypoglycaemia (low blood glucose): This is the most common side effect, which can happen if blood sugar falls too low. Symptoms include sweating, trembling, confusion, fast heartbeat, blurred vision, dizziness, irritability, hunger, and paleness. Severe hypoglycaemia can lead to seizures or loss of consciousness and requires urgent attention[3][1][5].
- Weight gain: Some people experience weight gain after starting insulin, as the body begins to absorb glucose more efficiently[4][6][1].
- Injection site reactions: These can include redness, swelling, itching, and changes in the skin at the injection site, such as thickening or depressions. Rotating injection sites helps minimize these effects[7][1][3].
- Lipodystrophy: Abnormal fat distribution—either fat build-up (lipohypertrophy) or fat loss (lipoatrophy)—can occur at injection sites when not rotated regularly[5][1].
- Allergic reactions: Though rare, some people experience more generalized symptoms like rash, itching all over the body, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face and limbs. These can be serious and may require immediate medical attention[1][7].
- Edema (swelling): Swelling of the arms, hands, legs, feet, or ankles may occur, particularly with large or rapid weight gain[5][1].
- Gastrointestinal symptoms: Some people report constipation or nausea, especially when starting insulin[1][2].
Additional, less common side effects can include dizziness, headache, muscle pain or cramps, and blurred vision. Most side effects are manageable and may lessen as your body adjusts to insulin, but persistent or severe reactions should be reported to your healthcare provider[1][6][5].
References
- [1] Human Insulin Injection: MedlinePlus Drug Information
- [2] Common Side Effects of Diabetes Medication
- [3] Side effects of long-acting insulin – NHS
- [4] Insulin therapy: Side effects, myths, and tips – MedicalNewsToday
- [5] The 6 Most Common Side Effects of Insulin – GoodRx
- [6] Side effects of insulin | Diabetes UK
- [7] Regular Insulin Injection (Short-Acting Insulin) – Cleveland Clinic
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