7672 Ketosis-Prone Diabetes - A Case Series

Abstract Disclosure: T. Ismail: None. A. Farooq: None. G. Acharya: None. J. Snitzer: None. Introduction Ketosis-prone diabetes (KPD) is a syndrome that primarily affects African Americans. It is characterized by ketoacidosis, which is like Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM). KPD is unique because it lacks identifiable autoimmunity and has a relative insulin deficiency, resembling Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). Therefore, KPD is informally classified as Type 1.5 Diabetes Mellitus. However, the clinical course and outcomes of KPD are like those of T2DM, and managing blood sugar levels is possible through non-insulin antidiabetic medications and dietary interventions. Case Series: Our study involved six patients who were all of African-American ethnicity. There were an equal number of male and female patients, with ages ranging from 21 to 61 years. One patient had a BMI of 27.2, which is considered overweight, while the rest had a BMI in the obese category ory(BMI>30). Two out of six patients had a pre-existing diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) before the initial diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) event. One patient had prediabetes. All patients required hospitalization for ketoacidosis and hyperglycemia and were found to have a glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level of more than 10% during these DKA events. All patients received intravenous hydration and insulin drip treatment and were discharged with a combination of long and rapid-acting insulin regimens. Following the resolution of the first episode of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), all six patients experienced a decrease in their insulin requirements for optimal glycemic control. Currently, four patients have discontinued insulin entirely. Moreover, all six patients tested negative for the presence of GAD-65, insulin, and islet antigen-2 antibodies. Among the patients, only one had a previously established autoimmune disease, i.e., inflammatory bowel disease. None of the patients experienced a repeat episode of diabetic ketoacidosis. Conclusion: It is important to note that not all patients who present with Diabetic ketoacidosis have Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM). Hence, checking auto-antibodies for T1DM before making a final diagnosis is crucial. C-peptide levels may not accurately reflect the degree of relative permanent insulin deficiency in this population if measured during or immediately after an episode of diabetic ketoacidosis due to glucose toxicity and other factors. Given its prevalence in obese individuals, weight loss through dietary modifications and GLP-1 receptor analogs may be beneficial. Presentation: 6/3/2024