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Drug-induced insulin coma in nondiabetic

Last edited: 4/15/2026

Overview

Drug-induced insulin coma in nondiabetic patients occurs when certain medications interfere with glucose metabolism, leading to severe hypoglycemia and altered mental status, resembling an insulin coma 1.

Diagnosis

  • Clinical presentation includes profound hypoglycemia, altered mental status, and often seizures 1.
  • Laboratory tests should confirm low blood glucose levels and evaluate for ketosis 1.
  • Electrolyte imbalances and liver function tests may also be relevant 1.
  • Management

  • Immediate treatment involves rapid correction of hypoglycemia with intravenous dextrose 1.
  • Supportive care includes airway management and monitoring for complications 1.
  • Monitoring for drug-specific toxicities and adjusting treatment accordingly is essential 1.
  • Special Populations

  • No specific data provided regarding pregnancy, pediatrics, elderly, or comorbidities in the given abstracts 1.
  • Key Recommendations

  • Rapidly administer intravenous dextrose to correct hypoglycemia (Evidence: Expert opinion) 1.
  • Closely monitor electrolyte levels and liver function during treatment (Evidence: Expert opinion) 1.
  • Consider drug-specific toxicities and adjust management strategies accordingly (Evidence: Expert opinion) 1.
  • References

    1 Zhu Z, Gao P, Hu Y, Wang J, Wang H, Yang J et al.. PEGylated versus non-PEGylated drugs: A cross-sectional analysis of adverse events in the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) Database
. International journal of clinical pharmacology and therapeutics 2020. link

    Original source

    1. [1]
      PEGylated versus non-PEGylated drugs: A cross-sectional analysis of adverse events in the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) Database
.Zhu Z, Gao P, Hu Y, Wang J, Wang H, Yang J et al. International journal of clinical pharmacology and therapeutics (2020)

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