The validity of C-peptide measurement in the diagnosis of factitious hypoglycemia.
The case is presented of a 32-year-old obese diabetic nurse, with a history of recent hypoglycemic episodes. Estimation of immunologically measurable insulin during hypoglycemia after an overnight fast revealed high values, while simultaneous determination of serum C-peptide failed to show an increase. This combination is considered pathognomonic for factitious hyperinsulinism. After the hidden vial was discovered and presented to her, the patient finally admitted that she had been surreptitiously injecting insulin.
D000328:Adult; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000032:analysis; D002096:C-Peptide / Q000097:blood*; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000097:blood / Q000523:psychology*; D005162:Factitious Disorders / Q000097:blood*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007003:Hypoglycemia / Q000139:chemically induced*; D007328:Insulin / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000097:blood; D009765:Obesity; D010455:Peptides / Q000097:blood*; D011863:Radioimmunoassay
D001786:Blood Glucose; D002096:C-Peptide; D007328:Insulin; D010455:Peptides