Delayed presentation of type 1 diabetes as a consequence of an amitriptyline patient information sheet

The presentation of diabetes can often be delayed, especially in patients with type 2 diabetes. For patients with type 1 diabetes, the severity of symptoms tends to prompt more rapid attendance for medical assessment. We report the case of a patient with type 1 diabetes who was receiving treatment with amitriptyline. She had attributed her symptoms caused by diabetes to side effects of the drug, as many of these were included in the patient information sheet, including some information that is factually wrong. It would be helpful if patients were given accurate and concise information, including what action to take if suspected side effects occur. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.