Diabetic Ketoacidosis in an Undiagnosed Type 1 Diabetic: A Case Study Highlighting Barriers to Rural Healthcare Access

This case report describes a 17-year-old male from a rural, medically underserved community who presented to the emergency department with severe dehydration, altered mental status, and labored breathing. He was found to have new-onset type 1 diabetes mellitus complicated by diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Due to limited healthcare access, his symptoms were initially misattributed to a viral illness, delaying appropriate diagnosis and treatment. The case highlights the barriers faced by rural populations in obtaining timely medical care and underscores the importance of mentorship programs in increasing health literacy and provider outreach in these communities.