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It is %%an effective murder method%% as even though modern methods of postmortem assay now exist, such complex investigations are unlikely to be launched unless there is some suspicion attached to what usually looks like a natural death.
It is a %%potent hypoglycemic agent%% and if the severe lowering of blood sugar persists for many hours, then %%brain damage and death will occur%%.
In massive doses, especially intravenously, death can take place within a few hours.
If death from insulin is suspected, then a search of the body must be made for recent needle marks and the surrounding skin, subcutaneous tissue, and underlying muscle excised and sent unfixed for assay.
Blood samples should also be taken, as modern analytical methods can now distinguish between human, bovine, and porcine insulin and detect adjuvants such as zinc, which assists in tracing the origin of the extrinsic insulin.
Postmortem samples should be taken as soon as possible after death and the plasma immediately separated from the cells and kept deep-frozen until analysis.
Postmortem blood glucose levels are generally unhelpful in confirming hypoglycemia, but vitreous humor may be more useful.
Oral hypoglycemic agents, such as sulphonylureas and biguanides, may be taken in overdose, either suicidally or accidentally, producing hypoglycemia, hypokalemia, and acidosis.
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