Suicide by Combined Insulin and Glipizide Overdose in a Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus Physician

Abstract

A case of self-injected insulin intoxication with an oral hypoglycaemic agent glipizide overdose in a type-II/non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) individual, a physician by profession, is presented with a review of the literature. The case demonstrates the need for thorough scene investigation, perusal of clinical details and complete autopsy to certify the death caused by combined insulin and glipizide overdose, and the manner of death. A meticulous search in the English literature reveals that hardly any fatal cases of combined insulin and glipizide overdose have been reported, with almost no cases from India, thus making this case report relevant and unique.