In type 1 diabetes, the body fails to produce insulin, and thus individuals must inject themselves with insulin before eating. Based on your knowledge of the control of glucose levels in the blood, what would be the result of a type 1 diabetic injecting himself with too much insulin?

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Insulin promotes the uptake and storage of glucose into cells, decreasing the concentration of glucose in the blood. If too much insulin is injected, there may not be enough glucose left in the blood to fuel the body's cells, leading to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). This can cause symptoms such as weakness, confusion, and seizures, and can potentially be life-threatening. Excess stores of glycogen being broken down, the release of glucagon from the pancreas, and muscle tissue breakdown are not the immediate effects of excessive insulin injection.

In Type 1 Diabetes, the Body Fails to Produce Insulin