A case of metabolic encephalopathy due to recurrent hypoglycemia caused by insulin: A case report

Abstract

A metabolic encephalopathy brought on by dangerously low blood glucose levels is called hypoglycemic encephalopathy. Transient hypoglycemic episodes are frequent, particularly in diabetic patients. This complication is seen in diabetes patients who are taking insulin/insulin secretagogues. Severe persistent hypoglycemia can result in seizures, a protracted state of coma, and a wide range of other global and focal neurologic impairments. The main pathological alterations in hypoglycemic encephalopathy include widespread denaturation and necrosis of the neurons as a result of a lack of energy, which is accompanied by a significant number of glial cells entering the brain. In our case, the patient had recurrent hypoglycemic episodes, which led to the development of hypoglycemic encephalopathy caused by insulin. It is important for clinicians to be aware of this potential complication and to closely monitor patients with diabetes who are being treated with insulin.

Keywords

• diabetes mellitus
• hypoglycemia
• hypoglycemic encephalopathy
• insulin