Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 11, 2026

High Resolution 3D Imaging of the Human Pancreas Neuro-insular Network
09:54

High Resolution 3D Imaging of the Human Pancreas Neuro-insular Network

Published on: January 29, 2018

Insulin oedema in a child with newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus

Avinash Aravamudhan1, Chris Gardner, Claire Smith

  • 1Department of Paediatrics, Royal Blackburn Hospital, East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust, Blackburn, BB2 3HH, UK.

European Journal of Pediatrics
|May 29, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Insulin edema is a rare complication of diabetes treatment. This condition, characterized by swelling, typically resolves on its own within weeks, especially in younger patients.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Metabolic Disorders
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Insulin edema is a rare complication associated with insulin therapy for diabetes mellitus.
  • Reported in type 1 and poorly controlled type 2 diabetes, often following insulin initiation or intensification.
  • Primarily documented in adults, with limited pediatric case reports.

Observation:

  • A 9-year-old boy with diabetic ketoacidosis developed generalized edema shortly after starting insulin therapy.
  • This presentation represents one of the youngest cases reported in the medical literature.
  • The edema resolved spontaneously within a few weeks without specific intervention.

Findings:

  • Insulin edema is an uncommon, likely under-reported complication of insulin therapy.
  • The condition is generally transient and self-resolving.
  • Early recognition is crucial to distinguish it from other causes of edema.

Implications:

  • Highlights the importance of recognizing insulin edema in pediatric patients presenting with diabetic ketoacidosis.
  • Emphasizes the need to differentiate this benign condition from more serious causes of edema.
  • Suggests that insulin edema may occur more frequently than reported, particularly in specific patient populations.

More Related Videos

Intra-Omental Islet Transplantation Using h-Omental Matrix Islet filliNG (hOMING)07:36

Intra-Omental Islet Transplantation Using h-Omental Matrix Islet filliNG (hOMING)

Published on: March 14, 2019

Fat-Covered Islet Transplantation Using Epididymal White Adipose Tissue06:39

Fat-Covered Islet Transplantation Using Epididymal White Adipose Tissue

Published on: May 25, 2021

Related Concept Videos

Diabetes Mellitus: Overview and Type I Subtype01:22

Diabetes Mellitus: Overview and Type I Subtype

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by high blood glucose levels due to inadequate insulin production, insulin resistance, or both. The condition affects millions worldwide and can significantly impact their health and quality of life.
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. As a result, the body is unable to produce sufficient insulin, and individuals with...
Insulin: Dosing Regimen and Adverse Effects01:16

Insulin: Dosing Regimen and Adverse Effects

Insulin-replacement therapy usually includes both long-acting insulin (basal) and short-acting insulin (to cater to postprandial needs). In a diverse group of type 1 diabetes patients, the average daily insulin dose is typically 0.5-0.7 units/kg body weight. However, obese patients and pubertal adolescents may need more due to insulin resistance.
The basal dose constitutes about 40%-50% of the total daily dose, with the rest as premeal insulin. The mealtime insulin dose should mirror...
Type I Diabetes III: Clinical Manifestations01:19

Type I Diabetes III: Clinical Manifestations

Type 1 diabetes mellitus typically presents with rapid-onset symptoms due to the body’s inability to utilize glucose in the absence of insulin. Since insulin is required for glucose uptake into cells, its deficiency leads to hyperglycemia and cellular energy deprivation, resulting in characteristic clinical features.Polyuria and PolydipsiaOne of the earliest, most prominent symptoms is polyuria (excessive urination). When blood glucose concentrations rise above the renal threshold, the kidneys...
Diabetes Mellitus: Type 2 and Gestational01:22

Diabetes Mellitus: Type 2 and Gestational

Type 2 diabetes, characterized by insulin resistance, arises when the insulin receptors on cells lose responsiveness to insulin, diminishing the cell's capacity to take up glucose, resulting in elevated blood glucose levels. To receive a diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes, a series of blood glucose tests are necessary to assess whether the blood glucose falls within normal parameters. If the result is out of the normal range, a patient may be diagnosed as prediabetic or diabetic, depending on the...
Diabetes: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Complications01:15

Diabetes: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Complications

For most patients, experiencing several weeks of polyuria, polydipsia, fatigue, and significant weight loss may indicate the presence of diabetes. Furthermore, adults displaying the phenotypic appearance of type 2 diabetes (particularly those who are obese and not initially insulin-requiring), may have islet cell autoantibodies, suggesting autoimmune-mediated β cell destruction and a diagnosis of latent autoimmune diabetes of adults (LADA). The categorization of glucose homeostasis is based on...
Type I Diabetes I: Introduction01:12

Type I Diabetes I: Introduction

Type 1 diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by an absolute deficiency of insulin resulting from the autoimmune destruction of pancreatic β-cells. Although it can occur at any age, it is most commonly diagnosed in childhood, adolescence, or early adulthood. The loss of insulin production impairs cellular glucose uptake, resulting in persistent hyperglycemia and necessitating lifelong insulin therapy.Autoimmune Destruction of β-CellsThe hallmark of type 1 diabetes is an...