From the Research
There is no single defined lethal dose for aspart insulin, as it depends on individual factors, but doses above 1 unit/kg of body weight can potentially be life-threatening for most people, as seen in a case report where a 41-year-old woman injected 300 units of insulin aspart with suicidal intent 1. The lethal potential of insulin overdose comes from causing severe hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Symptoms of insulin overdose include confusion, seizures, loss of consciousness, and can progress to coma and death if not treated promptly. Factors affecting insulin sensitivity and overdose risk include:
- Body weight
- Insulin resistance
- Liver/kidney function
- Other medications
- Recent food intake If insulin overdose is suspected:
- Immediately consume fast-acting carbohydrates (juice, glucose tablets)
- Seek emergency medical care
- Be prepared to administer glucagon if available Healthcare providers should carefully calculate and verify insulin doses, as highlighted in a study on the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of faster-acting insulin aspart versus insulin aspart 2. Patients should be educated on proper dosing and signs of hypoglycemia. Insulin should be stored securely to prevent accidental overdose. In cases of intentional insulin overdose, treatment with octreotide, a somatostatin analogue, may help prevent dextrose-induced hypoglycemia and improve management, as seen in a case report 1.