The inconspicuous number of cases of self-induced hyperinsulinaemia reported in the literature suggest that many escape detection. This article reviews the case of a nurse who fatally overdosed using insulin. Investigation showed that there had been at least 4 previous episodes of parasuicide, all involving insulin overdoses. Information on insulin is also presented as background to the current forensic interest in the apparent increase in sudden deaths among young diabetics. (37 refs.)