What can happen if a patient with diabetes does not eat after taking rapid-acting insulin like lispro?

When a patient with diabetes administers rapid-acting insulin, such as lispro, it is designed to help lower blood sugar levels by facilitating the uptake of glucose into the cells. If the patient does not eat after taking this insulin, there may not be sufficient glucose in the bloodstream to balance the action of the insulin. This situation can lead to hypoglycemia, which is characterized by abnormally low blood sugar levels.

Hypoglycemia can occur because the insulin continues to work, promoting glucose uptake, while the lack of food means that glucose is not replenished in the bloodstream. Symptoms of hypoglycemia can include shakiness, confusion, sweating, irritability, and in severe cases, loss of consciousness or seizures. Thus, it is crucial for patients taking rapid-acting insulin to consume a meal or snack to prevent such complications.