Anasarca in Newly Diagnosed Type 1 Diabetes: Review of the Pathophysiology of Insulin Edema

Abstract

Insulin edema is a rare complication of insulin therapy that can occur after the initiation of insulin. Various timelines to the initiation of insulin have been reported after insulin therapy. Here, we report the occurrence of generalized edema in a 40-year-old woman early after the initiation of insulin. Significant differentials were excluded and resolution achieved after two weeks with diuretics. We reviewed the current literature and the possible mechanisms behind this phenomenon.