A 26-year-old man, who was on probation, was found dead in his home by his mother.
Insulin vials and 2
insulin pens, which the man's stepfather (an
insulin-dependent diabetic) had been missing for over a week, were found next to the deceased. The circumstances suggested suicide by an injected
insulin overdose. At the time of the autopsy, the
corpse showed already marked signs of
autolysis. Clinical chemical tests confirmed the injection of
insulin, but indicated
hyperglycemia at the time of death. Toxicological analyses revealed that the man had consumed
amphetamine,
cannabinoids, and
tramadol in the recent past. Histological examination finally revealed extensive
bronchopneumonia as the cause of death. The most plausible explanation for the results of the autopsy and the additional examinations was an injection of
insulin as a failed attempt of self-treatment. It is conceivable that the man had discovered by a rapid test that he was a diabetic, but had decided not to go to a doctor to avoid disclosure of parole violation due to continued
drug abuse. He may have misinterpreted the symptoms caused by his worsening
bronchitis and the developing
bronchopneumonia as symptoms of a diabetic metabolic status and may have felt compelled to treat himself with
insulin.