Citation

Soni S, Mentzelopoulos V, Hatipoglu B. Endocrinologist 2004; 14(5): 257-260.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2004)

DOI

10.1097/01.ten.0000139044.65636.76

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Hypoglycemia resulting from insulin overdose can occur as documented by cases reported in the literature of malicious or factitious administration, in addition to self-inflicted insulin overdose by depressed individuals with intent of suicide. We describe a case of a patient with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus who attempted suicide with the use of an insulin pump resulting in a severe prolonged hypoglycemic coma. She recovered after approximately 7 hours of hypoglycemia and 4 days of being in a decerebrate posture. The occurrence of unexplained hypoglycemia in a depressed diabetic patient should raise the suspicion of insulin overdose. Moreover, physicians should be aware of the potential of insulin pumps to be used as a suicidal weapon, and special caution and close monitoring of depressed patients using the pump is strongly advised.

Language: en

Keywords

adult; human; female; case report; depression; suicide attempt; risk assessment; article; antidepressant agent; clinical examination; hypoglycemic coma; insulin; remission; insulin dependent diabetes mellitus; Hypoglycemic coma; Insulin overdose; insulin pump; Insulin pump