Is there a lab test to diagnose if a patient (pt) has taken too much insulin?

From the Guidelines

Yes, there is a lab test to diagnose if a patient has taken too much insulin, which is a blood glucose measurement showing hypoglycemia, typically below 70 mg/dL. This test can be performed rapidly using a glucometer at the bedside or through a formal laboratory blood draw, as recommended by studies such as 1. Additional supportive tests include measuring serum insulin levels and C-peptide levels simultaneously, which can help differentiate between insulin overdose and other causes of hypoglycemia, as excess insulin is a common cause of hypoglycemia 1. Some key points to consider when diagnosing insulin overdose include:

• Measuring blood glucose levels to confirm hypoglycemia
• Assessing serum insulin and C-peptide levels to determine the cause of hypoglycemia
• Considering other potential causes of hypoglycemia, such as delayed or missed meals, decreased carbohydrate content, or increased physical activity 1
• The timing of these tests is critical, and treating severe hypoglycemia should never be delayed for testing. It's also important to note that all insulin-requiring individuals should be instructed to carry at least 15 g carbohydrate to be eaten or taken in liquid form in the event of a hypoglycemic reaction, and family members, roommates, school personnel, and coworkers should be instructed in the use of glucagon in those with type 1 for situations when the individual cannot be given carbohydrate orally 1.

From the FDA Drug Label

Excess insulin administration may cause hypoglycemia and hypokalemia The FDA drug label does not answer the question.

From the Research

Lab Tests for Insulin Overdose

• There are lab tests that can help diagnose if a patient has taken too much insulin, including:
  • Plasma insulin levels: This test measures the amount of insulin in the blood [ 2 ].
  • Blood glucose monitoring: This test measures the level of glucose in the blood [ 3,4,5,6 ].
  • Serum insulin concentration: This test can be used to predict when the effects of the overdose will cease [ 3 ].

Interpretation of Lab Results

• The results of these lab tests can be used to guide treatment and monitor the patient's condition.
• For example, a high plasma insulin level can indicate an insulin overdose, while a low blood glucose level can indicate hypoglycemia [ 2 ].
• The serum insulin concentration can be used to predict when the effects of the overdose will cease, allowing for adjustments to be made to the treatment plan [ 3 ].

Treatment and Management

• The treatment and management of insulin overdose typically involves:
  • Continuous intravenous glucose infusion [ 3,4,5,6 ]
  • Frequent capillary blood glucose monitoring [ 3 ]
  • Monitoring for electrolyte changes and making adjustments as needed [ 6 ]
  • Surgical excision of the insulin injection site in some cases [ 3 ]