Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus associated with pentamidine

Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus occurred following intravenous pentamidine treatment of two AIDS patients with Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia. Both patients also experienced drug-induced nephrotoxicity. Patients receiving pentamidine must be observed for multisystem dysfunction, including the onset of severe diabetes mellitus. Dosage adjustment or alternative therapy should be considered with the onset of toxicity.