Abstract

Abstract Disclosure: G.J. Mora Calderon: None. R.L. Aguirre: None. D. Preston: None. Introduction: Insulin induced edema is a very rare complication seen after initiation of insulin therapy or after escalation of previous insulin regimen in patients with diabetes. The exact incidence of this condition is unknown. Insulin induced edema seems to have a female predominance and is associated primarily with patients who are underweight. The severity of insulin induced edema can range from mild localized peripheral edema to more severe and generalized complications, including cardiac failure and serosal effusions. There is a higher risk for severe complications in older patients with pre-existing cardiac, hepatic, or renal conditions. Usually, the course is benign and self-resolved without any intervention. Severe and prolonged cases have been reported to need adjuvant therapy (e.g diuretics or sympathomimetic agents) or sodium-restricted dietary regimens. Increasing blood glucose target with a decreased insulin regimen has been proposed as a possible option to prevent insulin induced edema. We present a 14 year-old-male patient with history of poor controlled type 1 diabetes mellitus and recurrent insulin-induced edema after strengthening of his insulin therapy. Case Presentation: A 14-year-old male with poorly controlled type 1 diabetes mellitus presented to the emergency with pitting edema of his face and hands that started a week after intensification of his insulin regimen. His weight increased from 73 kg to 84 kg in about 10 days. His vital signs at presentation were stable and besides the pitting edema, the rest of the physical examination was unremarkable. His mother reported a previous episode of edema that occurred approximately a year before this presentation and about a month after he was first diagnosed with diabetes mellitus. His most recent HbA1c was 14.4%. Patient was admitted for evaluation. Electrocardiogram, transthoracic echocardiogram, chest x-ray, and multiple laboratories (including a comprehensive metabolic panel, complete blood count, B-type natriuretic peptide, urine microalbumin, and thyroid function test ) came back all normal. The edema slowly improved and was eventually discharged. No adjuvant therapy was needed during his hospitalization. Conclusion: The diagnosis of insulin induced edema is primarily based on the exclusion of other etiologies. Most cases reported only one episode after initiation of insulin therapy or after escalation of previous insulin regimen, but it can happen multiple times as noted in our patient. Presentation: Thursday, June 15, 2023

Full Text
Published version (Free)

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call