[Self-inflicted hypoglycaemia (three cases)].

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Clinical Medicine
• Toxicology

Background:

• Factitious hypoglycemia, a condition where individuals intentionally induce low blood sugar, can mimic organic causes like hyperinsulinism.
• Accurate diagnosis is crucial for appropriate management and to prevent serious health consequences.

Observation:

• A patient with an addictive tendency self-administered insulin, evidenced by insulin antibodies.
• Another patient intentionally used sulfonylurea drugs to cause hypoglycemia, initially misdiagnosed as organic hyperinsulinism.
• A young diabetic patient intentionally administered excess insulin, confirmed by C-peptide absence and strict monitoring.

Findings:

• Self-inflicted hypoglycemia can be achieved through various methods, including exogenous insulin, sulfonylureas, and deliberate overdose of insulin in diabetics.