Recurrence Of Diabetic Ketoacidosis Research Articles

Comprehensive review of diabetic ketoacidosis: an update.

The most frequent hyperglycemic emergency and the leading cause of death in people with diabetes mellitus is diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). DKA is common in people with type 1 diabetes, while type 2 diabetes accounts for roughly one-third of occurrences. Although DKA mortality rates have generally decreased to low levels, they are still significant in many underdeveloped nations. In industrialized countries, its mortality rate ranges from 2 to 5%, but in underdeveloped nations, it ranges from 6 to 24%. Therefore, it is always lethal if misdiagnosed or improperly treated. According to specific research, DKA can be present at the time of type 1 diabetes onset in 25 to 30% of cases and in 4 to 29% of young people with type 2 diabetes mellitus, and its features include hyperglycemia, metabolic acidosis, and ketosis with its triggering factors commonly being infections, newly discovered diabetes, and failure to start insulin therapy. Less than 20% of DKA patients present comatose, and patients with different levels of consciousness can present at other times. A close association between abnormalities found during a mental status evaluation and osmolality seems to exist. Hospital admission is necessary for vigorous intravenous fluid therapy, insulin therapy, electrolyte replacement, diagnosis and treatment of the underlying triggers, and routine monitoring of the patient's clinical and laboratory conditions to manage DKA properly. Appropriate discharge plans should include actions to prevent a DKA recurrence and the proper selection and administration of insulin regimens.

A Comparison of Variable Versus Fixed Insulin Infusion Rate on Resolution of Diabetic Ketoacidosis.

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a well-known, potentially fatal complication of diabetes. The American Diabetes Association hyperglycemic crises guidelines suggest the use of intravenous insulin in patients presenting with DKA, along with a recommended rate of glucose reduction of 50-75 mg/dL/h. However, no specific guidance is provided regarding how to best achieve this rate of glucose decline. Is there a difference in time to DKA resolution between a variable intravenous insulin infusion strategy and a fixed infusion strategy in the absence of an institutional protocol? Single-center, retrospective cohort study of DKA patient encounters in 2018. Insulin infusion strategy was considered to be variable if the infusion rate changed within the first 8 hours of therapy or was considered fixed if the rate remained unchanged for the same period. The primary outcome was time to resolution of DKA. Secondary outcomes were hospital length of stay, intensive care unit length of stay, hypoglycemia, mortality, and DKA recurrence. The median time to resolution of DKA was 9.3 hours in the variable infusion group compared with 7.8 hours in the fixed infusion group (HR, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.43-1.5, P = 0.5360). Severe hypoglycemia was observed in 13% of patients in the variable infusion group and in 50% of patients in the fixed infusion group ( P = 0.006). In this analysis, insulin infusion strategy (variable vs. fixed) was not associated with a significant difference in the time to resolution of DKA in the absence of an institutional protocol. The fixed infusion strategy was associated with a higher incidence of severe hypoglycemia.

A retrospective study on comparison of clinical characteristics and outcomes of diabetic ketoacidosis patients with and without acute pancreatitis

The co-existence of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) with acute pancreatitis (AP) is associated with unfavorable clinical outcomes. However, diagnosing AP in DKA patients is challenging and often missed due to overlapping symptoms. The aim of this retrospective observational study was to compare the clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with concomitant DKA and AP or DKA alone. Data of patients with DKA admitted between January 2015 to August 2021 to four hospitals in Qatar was extracted from the electronic health record (Cerner). American Diabetes Association criteria and Atlanta criteria were used for DKA and AP diagnosis, respectively. Independent T-test or Mann–Whitney U test was used to analyze continuous variables, whereas categorical variables were analyzed via Chi-square or Fischer exact tests as appropriate. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were generated to assess the correlations. A p-value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Of 936 patients with DKA, 84 (9.0%) had coexisting AP. AP was most common in the Asian race (66%, p < 0.001). Patients with DKA and AP were older, had higher admission anion-gap, white cell count, hemoglobin (hb), neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, urea, creatinine, maximum blood glucose during the episode, total cholesterol and triglyceride level (TGL) (p < 0.05). They had a lower admission venous pH and bicarbonate at 6 h. Patients in the DKA with AP group also had a longer length of stay (LOS), DKA duration and a higher rate of ICU admission (p-values ≤ 0.001). In-hospital mortality, 3-month all-cause readmission, 6-month and 12-month DKA recurrence did not differ between the two groups. Univariate logistic regression analysis showed age, Asian ethnicity, male gender, T2D, admission WBC count, hb, urea, creatinine, potassium, venous pH, bicarbonate, anion gap, total cholesterol, TGL and LDL level were significantly associated with the development of DKA with AP (p < 0.05). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, age and total cholesterol level were associated with concomitant DKA and AP (p < 0.05). Patients with concomitant DKA and AP have more severe derangement in markers of DKA severity, inflammation, kidney injury and metabolic profile, along with a longer DKA duration, LOS and requirement for ICU support compared to DKA patients without AP. This highlights the clinical significance of diagnosing the co-existence of DKA with AP, as the combination results in significantly worse clinical outcomes and greater healthcare utilization than in patients with only DKA.

Clinical and biochemical determinants of length of stay, readmission and recurrence in patients admitted with diabetic ketoacidosis

Background The increasing prevalence of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) related admissions poses a significant burden on the healthcare systems globally. However, data regarding the predictors of healthcare resource utilization in DKA is limited and inconsistent. This study aimed to identify key predictors of hospital length of stay (LOS), readmission and recurrent DKA episodes. Methods We undertook a retrospective cross-sectional analysis of all DKA admissions from 2015 to 2021 across four hospitals in Qatar. The primary outcomes were the length of stay (LOS), 90-day readmission and 6-month and 1-year DKA recurrence. Results We included 922 patients with a median age of 35 years (25–45). 62% were males with type-1 diabetes-mellitus (T1DM) and type-2 DM (T2DM), present in 52% and 48% of patients. The median LOS was 2.6 days (IQR 1.1–4.8), and the median DKA resolution time was 18 h (10.5–29). Male-gender, new-onset DM, higher Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), lower haemoglobin, sodium and potassium, higher urea, longer DKA duration and MICU admission predicted a longer LOS in a multivariate regression analysis. None of the factors were significantly associated with 90-day readmission. Patients with pre-existing T1DM were more likely to have a six-month DKA recurrence than pre-existing T2DM. Patients with a 6-month DKA recurrence, female gender and T1DM had higher odds of 12-month recurrence, whereas a consult with a diabetes educator at the index admission was associated with decreased odds of recurrence. Conclusions/interpretation This is the most extensive study from the Middle-East region reporting on LOS, readmissions and the recurrence of DKA. Results from this study with a diverse population may be valuable for physicians and healthcare systems to decrease the diabetes-related healthcare burden in DKA patients.

600: RETROSPECTIVE REVIEW OF OUTCOMES IN PEDIATRIC DKA: EARLY VERSUS LATE LONG-ACTING INSULIN

Introduction: In patients with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), the American Diabetes Association guidelines support administering long-acting insulin (LAI) at the time of conversion from IV insulin to subcutaneous rapid acting insulin (RAI). Challenges with LAI timing in children may complicate this transition, and LAI may be administered earlier in the DKA course at some institutions. Limited evidence currently exists assessing the value of this early LAI administration while the patients are still in DKA. The purpose of this study was to assess the benefit and safety of early LAI in pediatric DKA. Methods: This single-center retrospective cohort study included patients < 21 years old admitted to the PICU in DKA on an IV insulin drip. Patients meeting inclusion criteria were divided into two groups: early LAI (administered >4 hours prior to conversion to RAI) and late LAI (administered within 2 hours of RAI). Each group was subdivided into DKA severity (moderate vs severe) and new onset vs known diabetes. The primary outcome of the study was to compare the time to DKA resolution, and secondary outcomes evaluated the total IV insulin doses received, and incidence of adverse effects and complications: hypoglycemia, hypokalemia, cerebral edema, and recurrence of DKA. Results: A total of 372 encounters were included in the preliminary assessment (224 in early LAI and 148 in late LAI groups). Baseline characteristics were similar between both groups. The time to DKA resolution was significantly longer (13 vs. 9.6 hours, p< 0.0001) and total dose of IV insulin significantly higher (65.7 vs. 44 units, p=0.0018) in the early LAI group. Rates of mild hypoglycemia and hypokalemia were significantly higher in the early LAI groups (33.5% vs. 21.6%, p=0.0134 and 42.4% vs. 14.2%, p< 0.0001, respectively). The trends in longer duration of DKA and rates of these adverse effects for the early LAI were also seen in the subgroups of new onset patients and with both moderate vs severe DKA. No differences were observed with severe hypoglycemia or hypokalemia, rates of cerebral edema or recurrence of DKA. Conclusions: Use of early LAI in pediatric DKA demonstrated no reduction in the time to resolution of DKA or total IV insulin dose regardless of severity of presentation, and increased risk of mild hypoglycemia and hypokalemia.

Diabetic Ketoacidosis Management: Updates and Challenges for Specific Patient Population

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is the most common hyperglycemic emergency and causes the greatest risk for death that could be prevented in patients with diabetes mellitus. DKA occurs more commonly among patients with type-1 diabetes with a thirty percent of the cases take place in patients with type 2 diabetes. DKA is characterized by sever hyperglycemia, metabolic acidosis and ketosis. Proper management of DKA requires hospitalization for aggressive replacement and monitoring of fluids, electrolytes and insulin therapy. Management of DKA has been updated with guidelines, to help standardize care, and reduce mortality and morbidity. The major precipitating factors for DKA include new diagnosis of diabetes, non-adherence to insulin therapy as well as infection in patients with diabetes. Discharge plans should include appropriate selection of insulin dosing and regimens as well as patient education to prevent recurrence of DKA. Further, definition and management of euglycemic DKA in patients prescribed sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors are discussed. Special consideration is reviewed for specific patient population including pregnancy, renal replacement, acute pancreatitis, and insulin pump users as well as patients with COVID-19.

Outcomes of diabetic ketoacidosis in a tertiary centre with restricted intensive care unit bed capacity.

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is an acute metabolic condition, sometimes requiring admission to an intensive care unit (ICU). To investigate the outcomes of DKA patients admitted to a hospital with restricted ICU capacity. We included all DKA patients above age 18 who were admitted to a tertiary hospital during 2004-2017. We conducted multivariate logistic regression analysis adjusted for ICU bed availability to analyse parameters associated with ICU admission, and a composite outcome of mortality, DKA recurrence and mechanical ventilation. Among 382 DKA patients in our cohort, 94 (24.6%) were admitted to the ICU. The in-hospital mortality was 4.7%. Low bicarbonate (<10 mmoL/L) and pH (<7) levels at presentation were associated with ICU admission (P < 0.001 for both). In multivariate models availability of beds in the ICU was not associated with ICU admission, mortality or DKA recurrence of any type. In a setting of limited ICU capacity, DKA treatment does not necessarily require admission to the ICU. When the rising rates of diabetes mellitus and the associated elevated rates of DKA are taken into account, our results highlight the importance of including step-down units when devising local protocols for care of these patients.

Long-term follow-up of efficacy of insulin pump in the treatment of children with type 1 diabetes mellitus

Objective To study the clinical effect of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSⅡ) versus multiple daily injection (MDI) on blood glucose control in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on the medical data of 91 children with T1DM who were treated with CSⅡ for more than 1 year and 75 children with T1DM who were treated with MDI. The two groups were compared in terms of glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1C) and the recurrence of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) to evaluate the difference in the efficacy during the 3-year follow-up. A survey was conducted for the children in the CSⅡ group and their family members to investigate the degree of satisfaction with insulin pump. Results There was no significant difference in age, sex, and course of diabetes between the CSⅡ and MDI groups at disease onset and in the first year, the second year, and the third year of follow-up (P > 0.05). There was no significant difference in the HbA1C level between the two groups at disease onset (P > 0.05), but in the first year of follow-up, the CSⅡ group had a significantly lower HbA1C level than the MDI group (P=0.04). There was no significant difference in the HbA1C level between the two groups in the second year and the third year of follow-up (P > 0.05). The CSⅡ group had a higher proportion of children with HbA1C 0.05). Within the 3 years of follow-up, 2 children in the CSⅡ group and 8 in the MDI group experienced the recurrence of DKA. In the third year of follow-up, there was no significant difference in blood pressure and blood lipids between the CSⅡ and MDI groups (P > 0.05). Most children and their family members (87%) were satisfied with CSⅡ treatment. Conclusions Children with T1DM treated with CSⅡ have a better control of blood glucose than those treated with MDI, and children and their family members are satisfied with CSⅡ treatment. Therefore, it holds promise for clinical application.

Diabetic Ketoacidosis Treatment Outcome and Associated Factors Among Adult Patients Admitted to the Emergency Department and Medical Wards at King Abdulaziz Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

BackgroundDiabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a life-threatening condition with high morbidity and mortality rates. It should be diagnosed immediately and managed intensively to prevent its significant complications.ObjectivesThe aim of this study to assess DKA treatment outcome and associated factors among adult patients at King Abdulaziz Medical City Emergency Department and Medical Wards, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.Materials and MethodsA retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted using a chart review to assess DKA treatment outcome and associated factors. All patients who were admitted as DKA cases from September 2017 to August 2019 were selected by simple random sampling except those with incomplete charts or younger than 14 years. Data were entered and analyzed using SAS Version 9.4 (SAS Institute, Cary, NC, USA).ResultsA total of 223 reviewed charts were collected. The frequency of DKA recurrence in most of the patients was once per year (126 [56.5%]). The most common precipitating factor was inappropriate insulin therapy (104 [46.64%]). More than half of the patients (120 [53.81%]) got out of DKA management protocol within 24-72 hours with a hospital stay of less than or equal to five days. The mortality rate was 1.83%. Patients with two or more DKA episodes per year tended to be admitted to ICU more frequently than those with one episode (p=0.001). It was found that patients who had a duration of one to five years of diabetes mellitus were almost five times more likely to get out of DKA in more than 72 hours when compared with those who had a duration of more than five years (adjusted OR: 4.7; 95% CI: 1.34-16.60; p=0.01).ConclusionsThe findings of this study highlight that majority of DKA patients showed improvement and discharged with a very low mortality rate. Inappropriate insulin therapy was the most common precipitating factor; thus, educating diabetic patients about the complications of treatment non-compliance is an important part of management.

Family History of Diabetes is Associated with Increased Risk of Recurrent Diabetic Ketoacidosis in Pediatric Patients

Objective: To determine the relationship between family history of diabetes mellitus (DM) and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) recurrence in youth with established type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Methods: We performed a retrospective chart review of patients with DKA admitted to a pediatric hospital between January, 2009, and December, 2014. We compared patients with recurrent (≥2 admissions) and nonrecurrent DKA (1 admission) and investigated patient level factors, including family history, that may be associated with DKA recurrence in pediatric patients with established T1DM. Results: Of the 131 subjects in the study, 51 (39%) subjects were in the recurrence group. Age ≥15 years old, public health insurance, and family history of T1DM or type 2 diabetes mellitus were associated with recurrent DKA admissions in both univariable and multivariable analyses. Family history was associated with DKA recurrence, with an incidence rate ratio of 1.5 (95% confidence interval = 1.0 to 2.3; P = .03). The association was not explained by type of familial diabetes, first degree relative status, or whether the family member lived in the household. Conclusion: Recognition that a positive family history of DM may be associated with a higher risk for DKA recurrence in patients with established T1DM may allow for targeted education and focus on a previously unidentified population at increased risk for DKA. Understanding the mechanism underlying the effect of family history of diabetes on the rates of DKA in patients with established T1DM may allow for improved identification and education of patients who may be at risk for DKA recurrence. Abbreviations: CI = confidence interval; DKA = diabetic ketoacidosis; EHR = electronic health record; IBD = inflammatory bowel disease; IRR = incidence rate ratio; T1DM = type 1 diabetes mellitus; T2DM = type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Management of Diabetic Ketoacidosis in Adults: A Narrative Review.

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is the most common hyperglycemic emergency and causes the greatest risk for death in patients with diabetes mellitus. DKA more commonly occurs among those with type 1 diabetes, yet almost a third of the cases occur among those with type 2 diabetes. Although mortality rates from DKA have declined to low levels in general, it continues to be high in many developing countries. DKA is characterized by hyperglycemia, metabolic acidosis and ketosis. Proper management of DKA requires hospitalization for aggressive intravenous fluids, insulin therapy, electrolyte replacement as well as identification and treatment of the underlying precipitating event along with frequent monitoring of patient's clinical and laboratory states. The most common precipitating causes for DKA include infections, new diagnosis of diabetes and nonadherence to insulin therapy. Clinicians should be aware of the occurrence of DKA in patients prescribed sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors. Discharge plans should include appropriate choice and dosing of insulin regimens and interventions to prevent recurrence of DKA. Future episodes of DKA can be reduced through patient education programs focusing on adherence to insulin and self-care guidelines during illness and improved access to medical providers. New approaches such as extended availability of phone services, use of telemedicine and utilization of public campaigns can provide further support for the prevention of DKA.

A Retrospective Study of Early vs Delayed Home Dose Basal Insulin in the Acute Management of Diabetic Ketoacidosis.

BackgroundInsulin via continuous intravenous infusion (ICII) is a standard of care for treating patients with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Once DKA is resolved, ICII is transitioned to subcutaneous therapy. However, recent guidelines recommend continuation of home dose subcutaneous basal insulin (HDBI) in patients with DKA. The objective of this study was to evaluate outcomes in patients who received early vs delayed HDBI.MethodsThis is a retrospective cohort study of patients ≥16 years old admitted to the medical intensive care unit between 1 July 2012 and 30 June 2015 with a primary diagnosis of DKA who received ICII and HDBI. Patients were stratified into early or delayed groups if they received HDBI before or after resolution of DKA, respectively. The primary outcome was incidence of transitional failure, defined as resumption of ICII or recurrence of DKA after initial ICII discontinuation.ResultsA total of 106 admissions were included for analysis; 33 (31.1%) received early HDBI. The incidence of transitional failure was similar between the early and delayed groups (OR, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.26 to 1.44; P = 0.72). In the early group, ICII duration was shorter at 13.8 hours [interquartile range (IQR), 10.1 to 16.5] vs 17.1 hours (IQR, 12.6 to 21.1; P = 0.04), with a trend toward lower rates of hypoglycemia (OR, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.16 to 1.05; P = 0.058).ConclusionThere was no significant difference in incidence of transitional failure between early and delayed HDBI. Early HDBI was associated with a shorter duration of ICII and a trend toward less hypoglycemia. A prospective analysis is needed to confirm these findings.

Nephrolithiasis: A complication of pediatric diabetic ketoacidosis

To determine the frequency of nephrolithiasis as a complication of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in pediatrics. We performed a retrospective chart review of patients with DKA admitted to a pediatric hospital between January 2009 and July 2016. We identified patients with nephrolithiasis during admission for DKA. We identified 395 episodes of DKA over 7.5 years. Nephrolithiasis developed as a complication of DKA in 3 of those admissions (0.8%). All three patients with nephrolithiasis were males with new onset type 1 diabetes, aged 11 to 16.5 years. They all developed symptoms of nephrolithiasis after transition to subcutaneous insulin. One patient had subsequent worsening acidosis that required an additional 24 hours of IV insulin administration. Nephrolithiasis is a rare complication of pediatric DKA, and should be considered in children with DKA who develop hematuria, flank pain, or suprapubic pain. Nephrolithiasis can increase insulin resistance due to increased pain and inflammation, so these patients should be monitored closely for recurrence of DKA. As patients with diabetes have increased risk of chronic kidney disease and nephrolithiasis can cause kidney injury, risk factors for nephrolithiasis should be identified and addressed to avoid subsequent kidney damage.

Precipitating factors, outcomes, and recurrence of diabetic ketoacidosis at a university hospital in Damascus.

Aims:To study precipitating factors, outcomes, and recurrence of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) at a University hospital at Damascus, the capital of Syria.Patients and Methods:Medical records between 2006 and 2012 were reviewed. One hundred and fifteen admissions for 100 patients with DKA were included. All fulfilled the American Diabetic Association DKA diagnostic criteria.Results:Of 115 admissions of DKA, there were 92 single admission and 23 recurrent admissions (eight patients). The order of precipitating factors of recurrent DKA or single admissions were the same with different percentage. The first and second factors were infection (74% and 48%) and treatment problems (17% and 24%), respectively. Complications rate was significantly higher in the intensive care unit (41.6%), compared to the ward admissions (14.2%). Overall in-hospital mortality rate was 11.3%. The severity of medical conditions that provoke DKA with aging, not the metabolic complications of hyperglycemia or ketoacidosis, were behind this high mortality rate. Patients who died were significantly (P = 0.004) older than patients who were discharged alive.Conclusion:Results concerning precipitating factor were similar to the results of many other studies. However, mortality rate was higher which might be explained by the severity of underlying precipitating illness.

Do obese children with diabetic ketoacidosis have type 1 or type 2 diabetes?

ObjectiveMany obese children with unprovoked diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) display clinical features of type 2 diabetes during follow up. We describe the clinical presentation, autoimmune markers and the long-term course of obese and lean children with DKA. Research design and methodsWe reviewed the medical records on the initial acute hospitalization and outpatient follow-up care of 21 newly diagnosed obese and 20 lean children with unprovoked DKA at Emory University affiliated children's hospitals between 1/2003 and 12/2006. ResultsObese children with DKA were older and predominantly male, had acanthosis nigricans, and had lower prevalence of autoantibodies to islet cells and glutamic acid decarboxylase than lean children. Half of the obese, but none of the lean children with DKA achieve near-normoglycemia remission and discontinued insulin therapy during follow-up. Time to achieve remission was 2.2±2.3months. There were no differences on clinical presentation between obese children who achieved near-normoglycemia remission versus those who did not. The addition of metformin to insulin therapy shortly after resolution of DKA resulted in lower hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels, higher rates of near-normoglycemia remission, and lower frequency of DKA recurrence. Near-normoglycemia remission, however, was of short duration and the majority of obese patients required reinstitution of insulin treatment within 15months of follow-up. ConclusionIn contrast to lean children with DKA, many obese children with unprovoked DKA display clinical and immunologic features of type 2 diabetes during follow-up. The addition of metformin to insulin therapy shortly after resolution of DKA improves glycemic control, facilitates achieving near-normoglycemia remission and prevents DKA recurrence in obese children with DKA.

Recurrent Diabetic Ketoacidosis in Inner-City Minority Patients

OBJECTIVETo conduct a bedside study to determine the factors driving insulin noncompliance in inner-city patients with recurrent diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODSWe analyzed socioeconomic and psychological factors in 164 adult patients with DKA who were admitted to Grady Hospital between July 2007 and August 2010, including demographics, diabetes treatment, education, and mental illness. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and the Short Form-36 surveys were used to screen for depression and assess quality of life.RESULTSThe average number of admissions was 4.5 ± 7 per patient. A total of 73 patients presented with first-time DKA, and 91 presented with recurrent DKA; 96% of patients were African American. Insulin discontinuation was the leading precipitating cause in 68% of patients; other causes were new-onset diabetes (10%), infection (15%), medical illness (4%), and undetermined causes (3%). Among those who stopped insulin, 32% gave no reasons for stopping, 27% reported lack of money to buy insulin, 19% felt sick, 15% were away from their supply, and 5% were stretching insulin. Compared with first-time DKA, those with recurrent episodes had longer duration of diabetes (P < 0.001), were a younger age at the onset of diabetes (P = 0.04), and had higher rates of depression (P = 0.04), alcohol (P = 0.047) and drug (P < 0.001) abuse, and homelessness (P = 0.005). There were no differences in quality-of-life scores, major psychiatric illnesses, or employment between groups.CONCLUSIONSPoor adherence to insulin therapy is the leading cause of recurrent DKA in inner-city patients. Several behavioral, socioeconomic, psychosocial, and educational factors contribute to poor compliance. The recognition of such factors and the institution of culturally appropriate interventions and education programs might reduce DKA recurrence in minority populations.

Regression of acanthosis nigricans correlates with disappearance of anti–insulin receptor autoantibodies and achievement of euglycemia in type B insulin resistance syndrome

Autoantibodies directed against specific epitopes in the insulin receptor are rarely the cause of either recurrent hypoglycemia or a severe form of insulin resistance (type B insulin resistance). Type B insulin resistance occurs more commonly in women of African heritage and is frequently associated with a history of other autoimmune diseases. We present the unusual case of a 61-year-old African American woman with a background of autoimmune hypothyroidism and autoimmune hepatitis who developed type 2 diabetes mellitus and marked facial acanthosis nigricans (AN) over a period of weeks. Despite treatment with multiple oral antidiabetic agents, she rapidly developed severe, recalcitrant hyperglycemia and ketoacidosis, requiring hospitalization and intravenous insulin administration for 4 weeks at rates of up to 180 U/h. Immunologic testing revealed a high titer of anti–insulin receptor autoantibodies of both immunoglobulin G and immunoglobulin A classes. After a recurrence of diabetic ketoacidosis despite aggressive management, the patient was treated with a short course of cyclophosphamide; within 10 weeks, she experienced striking improvement of her hyperglycemia as well as marked regression of the AN lesions. Subsequently, the patient also experienced episodes of fasting hypoglycemia, which resolved with a brief course of glucocorticoids. She has since remained euglycemic with no therapy for 5 years. We have documented, for the first time, regression of AN in temporal association with disappearance of circulating anti–insulin receptor autoantibodies and achievement of euglycemia in a patient with type B insulin resistance.

Clinical characteristics and outcomes of diabetic ketoacidosis in Pakistani adults with Type 2 diabetes mellitus.

The aim of this study was to describe the clinical characteristics and outcomes of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in Pakistani adult population with Type 2 diabetes mellitus. We reviewed the medical records of all adult patients admitted with a diagnosis of DKA and Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) and followed their clinical course and outcome. Follow-up data were obtained by chart review or telephone contact where necessary. Fifty-seven patients fulfilled criteria for inclusion in the study. Their mean age was 48 +/- 7 years. The mean body mass index was 25.5 +/- 6.2 kg/m2. Forty-nine had a prior history of Type 2 DM but DKA was the initial presentation in 14%. Nine were on no treatment, 40 were using oral hypoglycaemic agents and eight were on insulin. A history of prior DKA was noted in eight patients. Infections were the most common precipitating factor (63%). There were 12 deaths. Follow-up after a period ranging between 12 and 43 months revealed that 30/45 patients remained on OHA without recurrence of DKA. This report highlights the need for the growing recognition of DKA occurring in adults with Type 2 DM in the South Asian population. Mortality rates are unacceptably high but the majority of survivors remain insulin independent.

Childhood and adolescent diabetes mellitus in Arabs residing in the United Arab Emirates

In 9 years (1990–1998), 40 Arab patients between the ages of 0 and 18 years had newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus (DM) at the Al-Ain hospital, United Arab Emirates (UAE). In this cohort, 35 patients had Type 1 DM while the remaining five patients had features of early onset Type 2 DM. For Type 1 DM patients, the mean age at diagnosis of was 9.2±4.1 years. At presentation, their mean plasma glucose was 27.6±11/mmol with 28 (80%) patients having diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), both being much higher than generally reported in the West. The mean insulin requirement increased from 0.84±0.27 U/kg per 24 h (0–9-year group) to 1.02±0.33 U/kg per 24 h (10–18-year group), P=0.055. The home glucose monitoring and the glycaemic control of these Type 1 DM patients were sub-optimal with 28% of patients having recurrence of DKA. Among the Type 2 DM patients, four (80%) were obese with a positive family history of Type 2 DM. All of them initially responded to diet and oral hypoglycaemic drugs. Public education about DM in childhood and prevention of adolescent obesity remain major public health challenges in the UAE.

Factors associated with discontinuing insulin therapy after diabetic ketoacidosis in adult diabetic patients.

To assess the factors associated with successful discontinuation of insulin therapy after diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in adult patients. Patients (>or= 18 years) attending the Endocrine and Metabolism Clinic at a major hospital in southern Taiwan were recruited. After recovery from the acute stage, those with no contraindications to oral antidiabetic agents, with adequate beta cell reserve, and with no antiglutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) antibody were treated with oral agents. Sixty-six patients (38 males, 28 females, aged 18-76 years) were included, and 21 qualified for treatment with oral agents. These 21 patients were older at diagnosis of diabetes (45.5 +/- 14.0 vs. 40.0 +/- 13.8 years, P = 0.047), had shorter diabetes duration (median 0 vs. 5.5 months, P = 0.040), higher BMI (median 23.4 vs. 19.5 kg/m2, P < 0.001), higher serum osmolality during DKA (352.1 +/- 40.7 vs. 318.0 +/- 16.4 mmol/kg, P = 0.005), and lower insulin dose following recovery (median 0.49 vs. 0.83 unit/kg/d, P < 0.001) than those patients that had to continue insulin therapy. Thirteen patients (8 males, 5 females; 62%) successfully discontinued insulin for at least one year without recurrence of DKA. Multiple logistic regression analyses showed that BMI >or= 25 kg/m2 (adjusted relative risk (ARR) 8.85, 95% CI 1.05, 8.39), diabetes onset age >or= 40 years (ARR 8.08, 95% CI 1.16, 6.95), and undiagnosed diabetes before DKA (ARR 8.90, 95% CI 1.19, 7.51) were significant factors associated with successful discontinuation of insulin therapy. We identified three independent clinical factors associated with successful discontinuation of insulin therapy after DKA.