Hypoglycemia and Multivitamins

J Assoc Physicians India. 2024 Aug;72(8):99-100. doi: 10.59556/japi.72.0595.

Abstract

Insulin autoimmune syndrome (IAS) is a rare condition triggered by exposure to various drugs containing sulfhydryl compounds, proton pump inhibitors, supplements, plasma proteins, viral infections like measles, influenza, hepatitis C, and autoimmune conditions like Graves' disease and systemic lupus erythematosus.1,3 We report two patients with recurrent episodes of hypoglycemia who were then diagnosed with IAS due to the consumption of α-lipoic acid (ALA) present in a multivitamin supplement. Eating small, frequent meals containing complex carbohydrates and steroids helps normalize blood glucose levels and reduce the insulin autoantibodies (IAA) to undetectable levels.3.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Autoimmune Diseases / drug therapy
  • Dietary Supplements / adverse effects
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hypoglycemia* / chemically induced
  • Hypoglycemia* / diagnosis
  • Insulin / adverse effects
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Thioctic Acid / adverse effects
  • Vitamins* / adverse effects

Substances

  • Vitamins
  • Thioctic Acid
  • Insulin