If the morning insulin dose is accidentally given in the evening, usually an excess of insulin results. This results in a very long night, as the person must be awakened every two or three hours, blood sugars checked, and extra juice and food must be given. Obviously, if the blood sugar is low, more frequent checks will be needed. Sometimes a drop of blood or a bruise under the skin will be seen after the injection. This will not cause any problem except for the possible loss of some insulin with the blood.
Some teenagers are upset by the bruises.
As noted earlier in this chapter, place a dry piece of cotton or a clean finger over the injection site and rub gently after removing the needle. This will usually stop any bleeding. Sometimes applying pressure for 30 to 60 seconds will help to reduce bruising. Injections may go into the underlying muscle, causing more rapid absorption of insulin and low blood sugar. There may then be less insulin to act later in the day, resulting in high blood sugar.