Abstract #1395490: New Onset of Type 1 Diabetes After Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Vaccination

Abstract

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) poses the greatest threat of our times. SARS-CoV-2 vaccines are one of the most effective strategies against this infection. Diabetic ketoacidosis, hyperglycemic hyperosmolar syndrome, and new-onset diabetes as adverse effects of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination have been infrequently described in the literature. We hereby report a rare case of new-onset type 1 diabetes after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. An 18-year-old male presented to the outpatient office for evaluation of breast pain. On routine laboratory tests, he was noted to have fasting blood glucose of 200 mg/dL. On further questioning, he reported some polyuria, nocturia, and a 10-pound weight loss over the preceding month. He received the initial dose of Pfizer-BioNTech SARS-CoV-2 vaccine in May 2022 and the second dose in June 2022, approximately one month before the onset of symptoms. He denied any earlier viral infections and had no personal or family history of autoimmune conditions. On evaluation, his body mass index was 20 kg/m2, but otherwise, he had a normal physical exam, including a breast exam. Over the next few days, his blood glucose progressively increased to over 300 mg/dl. HbA1c was noted to be elevated at 8.6%, glutamic acid decarboxylase-65 (GAD-65) antibodies were remarkably high >250 IU/ml (normal 5 IU/ml), C-peptide was 1.51 ng/ml (normal 0.80 – 3.85 ng/ml), blood glucose 156 mg/dl, islet-cell antibody titer was 320 (< 1.25 JDF units) and insulin autoantibodies were negative. He was diagnosed with autoimmune Type 1 diabetes and a basal-bolus insulin regimen was initiated to improve glycemic control. On a one-month follow-up, his insulin requirements remained low but persistent and his glycemic control was acceptable. Various viruses are known to play a fundamental role in the onset of type 1 diabetes via a variety of effects on pancreatic beta-cells because of either the direct lytic effects of viral replication or the inflammatory response to the virus, which is mediated by autoreactive T cells. The limited release of islet cell antigens induces molecular mimicry and paves the way for long-term autoimmunity and the development of type 1 diabetes mellitus. Our patient did not report any viral illnesses before the onset of his symptoms. He also did not have a family or personal history of autoimmune diseases. His onset of diabetic symptoms coincided temporally with receiving the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. The detection of a considerable titer of GAD-65 antibodies proved autoimmunity. Clinicians must stay vigilant about this potential side effect of SARS-CoV2 vaccine so that a timely diagnosis can be made.