Diabetics may experience life-threatening emergencies from too much or too little insulin in their bodies. Too much insulin can cause a low sugar level (hypoglycemia), which can lead to insulin shock. Not enough insulin can cause a high level of sugar (hyperglycemia), which can cause a diabetic coma.
Symptoms of insulin shock include:
Weakness, drowsiness
Rapid pulse
Fast breathing
Pale, sweaty skin
Headache, trembling
Odorless breath
Numbness in hands or feet
Hunger
Symptoms of diabetic coma include:
Weak and rapid pulse
Nausea
Deep, sighing breaths
Unsteady gait
Confusion
Flushed, warm, dry skin
Odor of nail polish or sweet apple
Drowsiness, gradual loss of consciousness