Insulin-Related Suicide Attempt in Non-Diabetic Pediatric Patient

Abstract

Insulin analogs are basic drugs that are widely used in the treatment of diabetes around the world. Suicides with their use are described as rare, occurring mainly in the population of diabetic patients due to their easy access to the drug and knowledge of its properties. Among non-diabetic people, insulin is used for suicidal purposes mainly by adults with medical education. A case of a 15-year-old girl found unconscious by her mother at night was described. The patient was immediately transported to the hospital, where she was diagnosed with her first severe hypoglycemic episode of unknown origin. Once conscious and in a better state, the patient admitted to having taken insulin, which she had stolen from her diabetic mother, for suicidal purposes. The patient had no history of mental illness or self-destructive behavior. The patient was referred to psychiatric care. Suicides and suicide attempts involving insulin are usually observed among people with chronic diabetes. Moreover, such attempts are made by adults who know the mechanism of action of the drug. In the pediatric group without diabetes, such cases are extremely rare. Additionally, the issue of similar behaviors becomes very important due to the increasing popularity and availability of insulin therapy and the possibilities of obtaining information about using it to commit suicide from the Internet. Particular vigilance is required in pediatric emergency departments when a patient is identified as having a first episode of severe hypoglycemia of unknown origin.