Successful management of allergy to the insulin excipient metacresol in a child with type 1 diabetes: a case report

• Main Authors: Wheeler Benjamin J, Taylor Barry J
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2012-08-01
• Series: Journal of Medical Case Reports
• Online Access: http://www.jmedicalcasereports.com/content/6/1/263

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Introduction</p> <p>Insulin allergy to human insulin preparations during the treatment of diabetes is suggested to occur at rates ranging from <1.0% to 2.4%. These reactions vary from mild localized reactions, which resolve with repeated exposure, to life-threatening anaphylaxis and death. The management of persistent insulin allergy in type 1 diabetes mellitus is particularly complicated because ongoing treatment with insulin is essential.</p> <p>Case presentation</p> <p>We present the case of a 12-year-old Caucasian girl with localized allergy to the insulin excipient metacresol, and the subsequent desensitization therapy using continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion with simultaneous intravenous insulin infusion.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>This is the first documented case of allergy to the metacresol component of insulin in the pediatric type 1 diabetes literature. We describe an approach to diagnosis and management of metacresol allergy in type 1 diabetes.</p>