The insulin-oedema syndrome in African diabetic subjects

An oedema syndrome occurring in African diabetic subjects on insulin treatment is described, and the possible mechanisms responsible for the fluid retention are reviewed. The syndrome seems to be closely associated with a tendency to hypoglycaemia of a moderate or severe degree, and this aspect probably reflects a relative overdosage of insulin. This preliminary communication is intended to draw attention to a condition which may be occurring in diabetic subjects in areas with a similar ecology to Uganda.