Hyperandrogenism, insulin resistance, acanthosis nigricans, and systemic lupus erythematosis associated with insulin receptor antibodies.

We report a young woman with systemic lupus erythematosis (SLE) who developed diabetes secondary to extreme insulin resistance, associated with severe hyperandrogenism and acanthosis nigricans. Her insulin resistance was found to be associated with high titers of insulin receptor antibodies. The hyperandrogenism has been favourably influenced by cyclical treatment with cyproterone acetate and ethinyl oestradiol, but the insulin resistance and acanthosis nigricans have remained unmodified after 15 months of follow up.