Administration of insulin can rarely result in transient edema in some patients. In some patients it may be related to hyperaldosteronism.
Features:
(1) Peripheral edema is present.
(2) Ascites may occur.
(3) Rarely it may progress to congestive heart failure.
(4) Diuresis with reversal of edema on reducing the insulin dose.
(5) Exclusion of other explanations for edema.
Risk factors:
(1) starting insulin therapy
(2) large increase in an insulin dose
Management:
(1) Reduce insulin dose.
(2) Diuretic therapy is usually not indicated unless there is severe heart failure.
(3) Reintroduce insulin at lower doses and gradually increase.
(4) Ephedrine was used to treat a patient with recurrent insulin-induced edema (Hopkins et al)
To read more or access our algorithms and calculators, please log in or register.
Specialty: Endocrinology, Clinical Laboratory
ICD-10: ,
