Abstract

ESPINOSA REYES, Tania et al. Facticious hypoglycaemia induced by insulin in a type 1 diabetic patient. Rev Cubana Endocrinol [online]. 2004, vol.15, n.3, pp. 0-0. ISSN 1561-2953.

Factitious hypoglycaemia is a deliberate attempt to provoke low serum levels of glucose by using insulin or lowering-glycaemia agents. A case is reported of a white, male, 12-year-old type 1 diabetic patient of 2 years of evolution. Chief complaint: episodes of severe hypoglycaemia with convulsions and coma. Samples for pancreatic anti-islet cell antibodies and peptide C were taken under basal conditions and during hypoglycaemia. Determinations of glucosylated haemoglobin (HBA1) during the evolution of the disease, ultrasonography, CAT and nuclear magnetic imaging of pancreas were performed. Elevated insulinemias, extremely reduced values of peptinemia C, increase of the body mass index, and renal and hepatic function within the normal parameters were obtained. The imaging studies were normal. It was concluded that in spite of the relative low frequency of factitious hypoglycemia in the diabetic, it is indispensable to take it into account. The premature detection makes easy the early psychological attention of the patient and prevents the exposure to actions implying risk for life or permanent damage.

Keywords : Facticious hypoglycaemia; insulinemia; peptinemia.