Insulin Edema Associated With Newly Diagnosed Type 1 Diabetes and High Glycated Hemoglobin: A Case and Review of the Pediatric Literature

Abstract

Insulin edema is a rare and poorly understood complication of insulin therapy. It has been associated with the initiation of insulin in patients with newly diagnosed diabetes or the intensification of insulin therapy in those with poor glycemic control. This condition is rarely reported in pediatric patients. We describe a case of insulin edema in a 14-year-old boy with potential risk factors of highly elevated glycated hemoglobin at diagnosis and history of unilateral renal atrophy. We also present a discussion of the pathophysiology of this condition and a review of the pediatric literature.