Insulin And Suicide

Suicide is a scary word and most people would never associate insulin with suicide. In fact, insulin is normally regarded as a lifesaving substance for those many people throughout the world suffering from diabetes. It is rarely seen as an agent that could be manipulated to inflict suicide, self-harm or bring about death. Sadly, insulin and suicide have been linked in the past.

So are you worried about insulin and suicide? If you suffer from diabetes you would already know that insulin is a hormone produced by our pancreas, which allows us to access the glucose contains in our food. Without insulin we simply cannot derive energy from our diet, which means our body is naturally compromised, unable to perform all its usual functions, like movement, cell repair and growth. Diabetics, whether they suffer from Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, must regulate their insulin levels themselves. Some inject insulin at meals times or take pills.  

But how is insulin related to suicide? For one, there have been instances of people using insulin to suicide or abusing insulin by injecting higher doses than normal. Typically overdosing on insulin produces a hypoglycemic state, which is exceedingly dangerous. In particular, acute or extended hypoglycemia can result in death or brain damage. Sadly there have been cases in which insulin has been used for suicides.

Another link between insulin and suicide relates to the depression that some diabetes experience with their condition. Although is it not widely known, diabetes can bring about depression and suicidal ideation. While the connection is not completely understood, the medical profession does know that some diabetics can experience depression as result of the metabolic effects of diabetes on the brain. In fact people who suffer from diabetes are statistically more likely to have a history of depression than non-diabetics. Monitoring the mental health of diabetic is therefore a key consideration.

While it is a difficult subject to broach, it is imperative that the relationship between depression and diabetes is highlighted, and that people understand that insulin can be used to bring about suicide.