Insulin poisoning with suicidal intent

• Main Authors: Abhay Gundgurthi, Sandeep Kharb, M K Dutta, R Pakhetra, M K Garg
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 2012-01-01
• Series: Indian Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism
• Subjects: Hypoglycemic coma; insulin; suicide
• Online Access: http://www.ijem.in/article.asp?issn=2230-8210;year=2012;volume=16;issue=7;spage=120;epage=122;aulast=Gundgurthi

We report a 27-year-old paramedical lady with no known comorbidities, who presented with rapid-onset coma with hypoglycemia (plasma glucose at admission was 35 mg/dL). Clinical alertness suspected and confirmed the diagnosis of exogenous insulin administration probably with suicidal intent. During the course of her ICU stay, she developed bradycardia and hypotension which required ionotropic support. She remained in coma for 90 hours. A total of 470 g of dextrose was infused until she regained consciousness. No other complications of insulin overdose were observed during her stay in the hospital. Recovery was complete without any residual neurological deficits. Insulin administration should be kept in differential diagnosis when any case presents with coma and hypoglycemia, especially in paramedical personnel.