[Spice intoxication and hyperglycemia]

An Sist Sanit Navar. 2020 Apr 20;43(1):87-91. doi: 10.23938/ASSN.0748.
[Article in Spanish]

Abstract

We present a case of intoxication by synthetic cannabinoids (SC). SC are substances of abuse with effects similar to Marijuana but with a different chemical structure, which avoids its detectability by regular drug tests, making diagnosis difficult. Among the possible side effects of their use is hyperglycemia. Their presence should be suspected in cases of hyperglycemia that cannot be explained by any other cause, especially in young patients presenting another clinical picture suggestive of SC consumption such as agitation, confusional symptoms or psychosis; the patient should be questioned about their use. It is important that the diabetic population knows the side effects of synthetic cannabinoids to avoid their consumption, as it is a sector of the population especially vulnerable to the consequences of their use.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Cannabinoids / adverse effects*
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / drug therapy
  • Dronabinol / urine
  • Hallucinogens / urine
  • Humans
  • Hyperglycemia / chemically induced*
  • Hypoglycemic Agents / administration & dosage
  • Illicit Drugs / adverse effects*
  • Insulin Aspart / administration & dosage
  • Insulin Glargine / administration & dosage
  • Male
  • Synthetic Drugs / adverse effects*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Cannabinoids
  • Hallucinogens
  • Hypoglycemic Agents
  • Illicit Drugs
  • Synthetic Drugs
  • Insulin Glargine
  • Dronabinol
  • Insulin Aspart