scholarly journals A Case of Diabetic Ketoacidosis in a Patient on an SGLT2 Inhibitor and a Ketogenic Diet: A Critical Trio Not to Be Missed

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-3 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samantha Steinmetz-Wood ◽  
Matthew Gilbert ◽  
Katherine Menson

Results from major clinical trials have shown significant cardiorenal-protective benefits of SGLT2 inhibitors in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM), leading to increased popularity. A rare but serious side effect of SGLT2 inhibitors is euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis (EDKA), which presents more covertly but has been described. Identification and report of modifiable risk factors would be an important step in helping clinicians appropriately counsel patients. In this case report, we present DKA in a patient on an SGLT2 inhibitor and ketogenic diet (KD). A 47-year-old male with a history of poorly controlled T2DM on metformin and empagliflozin presented to the emergency department (ED) with several days of pharyngitis, dyspnea, emesis, abdominal pain, and anorexia. Of note, one month prior to this event, he presented to the ED with malaise and was found to have an anion gap of 21, a bicarbonate level of 13 mmol/L, a pH level of 7.22, 3+ ketonuria, and a glucose level of 7 mmol/L (127 mg/dl). Additional workup was negative, and findings were attributed to his KD. His use of empagliflozin was not identified on his medication list. At second presentation, the patient was tachypneic and tachycardic and had mild abdominal tenderness. Labs revealed anion gap 28, bicarbonate 5 mmol/l, pH 6.94, 3+ ketonuria, glucose 14.9 mmol/L (269 mg/dl), and beta-hydroxybutyrate 8.9 mmol/L. The patient was diagnosed with DKA and was treated accordingly. With closure of anion gap, the patient was transitioned to insulin and metformin, and his empagliflozin was discontinued indefinitely. Before prescribing this medication class, physicians should inquire about low-carbohydrate diets given the higher risk for DKA, though knowledge of this risk is still not widespread.

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (6) ◽  
pp. e330-e333
Author(s):  
Ethan I. Fieger ◽  
Kristen M. Fadel ◽  
Amir H. Modarres ◽  
Edmond P. Wickham ◽  
Susan E. Wolver

Objective: We report a case of a successful reimplementation of a very low carbohydrate ketogenic diet (VLCKD) after a case of euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis (euDKA). Methods: A 42-year-old female with a history of type 2 diabetes mellitus on a self-administered VLCKD was prescribed a sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor. Two weeks after initiation, she presented with nausea and vomiting and was found to be in euDKA which was treated with fluid resuscitation, insulin infusion, and cessation of the SGLT2 inhibitor. She was discharged on insulin and instructed not to resume a VLCKD. Results: After discharge, the patient experienced rapid weight gain and deteriorating glycemic control and desired to resume a VLCKD. She was referred to a university-based medical weight loss clinic that specializes in a VLCKD. The patient was monitored with daily contact via the electronic health record’s patient portal and serial laboratory testing while her carbohydrate intake was slowly reduced and her insulin titrated off. She has safely remained in ketosis for 2 years without a further episode of euDKA. Conclusion: As the clinical use of SGLT2 inhibitors and the VLCKD both become increasingly common, it is vital for practitioners to be aware that the combination can lead to euDKA. We present a case of successfully resuming a VLCKD after recovering from euDKA and cessation of SGLT2 inhibitor therapy.


2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. A380-A381
Author(s):  
Joi C Hester ◽  
Stacy Zimmerman ◽  
Teresa Allison Nimmo ◽  
Wesley Cunningham ◽  
Joshua Liu ◽  
...  

Abstract Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors are cardiorenal protective agents increasingly used in patients with diabetes. Cases of euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis (euDKA) have been reported particularly among patients with type 1 diabetes. Our case is an example that highlights the role SGLT-2 inhibitors play in the development of euDKA in a patient with type 2 diabetes with confounding factors of strict adherence to a ketogenic diet and ankle fracture. A 72-year-old female with a history of type 2 diabetes presented to the emergency department (ED) with right ankle pain and obvious deformity after a mechanical fall. Radiography of the right lower extremity confirmed distal fracture of the tibia and fibula. After reduction of her fracture in the ED, she was admitted in anticipation of an open reduction internal fixation. Her diabetes was controlled on empagliflozin monotherapy and adhering to a ketogenic diet. She monitored her blood ketones daily at home and reported values in the 3–4 mmol/L range. On admission, her basic metabolic panel (BMP) revealed a blood glucose of 148 mg/dL, bicarbonate of 20 mEq/L, anion gap of 18 mEq/L, Cr of 1.3 mg/dl, and eGFR of 40 mL/min. Her beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) was 5.09 mmol/L. The initial assessment was presumed starvation ketosis. On hospital day three, she complained of continued nausea, polydipsia, and abdominal pain. Chart review revealed nocturia with approximately 3–4 voids per night. Repeat BMP showed a blood glucose of 152 mg/dL, bicarbonate of 16 mEq/L, anion gap still at 18 mEq/L, Cr 1.4 mg/dl, and eGFR of 37 mL/min. Since admission, all of her blood glucose levels ranged between 118–178 mg/dL. She denied dyspnea but exhibited Kussmaul respirations on physical exam. Repeat labs revealed a BHB of 8.92 mmol/L, and arterial blood gas (ABG) showed pH 7.2, pCO2 23, pO2 100, bicarbonate 8.6 mEq/L, consistent with high-anion gap metabolic acidosis, confirming the diagnosis of euDKA. Her empagliflozin had been held since admission, but she had not received any insulin up to this point due to euglycemia. She was immediately started on a weight-based dose of 12 units of insulin glargine with subsequent improvement of her BHB and anion gap. This patient’s use of an SGLT2-inhibitor in combination with her being on a ketogenic diet, contributed to a nonregulated state of ketone production leading to euDKA in the perioperative period. As SGLT2-inhibitors become more readily available, it is important to educate physicians and patients about the risk of euDKA during fasting, ketogenic diets, and the perioperative period.


2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. A382-A383
Author(s):  
Maram Khalifa ◽  
Hassaan Aftab ◽  
Vitaly Kantorovich

Abstract Background: With mounting evidence demonstrating improved cardiovascular and renal outcomes with the use of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, this class of newest antidiabetic agents is rapidly gaining favor. SGLT2 inhibition lowers the renal threshold for glucose excretion, resulting in renal glycosuria, a shift in substrate utilization from carbohydrate to fat oxidation and hyperglucagonemia and thus poses the risk of developing euglycemic DKA as a rare but serious adverse effect. Clinical Cases: the first case is A 36-year-old female was diagnosed with type 2 DM with an HbA1c of 10% and was started on multi-agent antihyperglycemic therapy including metformin 500 mg BID, extended release exenatide 2 mg once a week and empagliflozin 25 mg once daily which were all initiated simultaneously. 2 days after starting regimen, she complained of nausea, vomiting and was unable to tolerate oral diet and fluids by day 4 which potentially predisposed to starvation ketoacidosis. She presented to the ED with normal vitals, grossly normal physical exam and labs were significant for beta-hydroxybutyrate of over 7 mmol/L (ref range <0.28), bicarbonate of 10 mmol/L (22 - 33), anion gap 25 (7 - 17), arterial pH 7.16 (7.33 - 7.43), serum glucose 111 (7.33 - 7.43). GAD-65 antibody titer was <5 IU/mL (< 5). She was diagnosed with euglycemic DKA, transferred to ICU and started on DKA protocol to which she responded very well. Second patient is A 65 Years old male with past medical history of CAD, HTN, HDL, history of PE/DVT and Type 2 DM was on insulin and jardiance, started ketodiet while continuing taking the jardiance and stopped taking his insulin because his sugars were controlled presented to the ED with abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, had relatively normal vitals and benign physical exam, labs showed Bicarbonate of 9 mmol/L (22 - 33), anion gap of 31 (7 - 17), venous pH of 7.07 (7.33 - 7.43) glucose was 189 (7.33 - 7.43), beta-hydroxybutyrate of over 7.7 mmol/L (ref range <0.28), patient was admitted to the ICU and started on insulin on DKA protocol Conclusion: SGLT2 inhibitors may be associated with DKA due to their ketogenic effects secondary to enhanced lipolysis and increased glucagon to insulin ratio. although not expected, euglycemic DKA could be much more present in cases where there is predisposition to increase ketones generation w/without appropriate clearance eg. starvation, ketotic diet, AKI, etc. These should be monitored for and the patient needs to be educated about accordingly to prevent both adverse outcomes and potential decrease in drug use if not strongly indicated. also,It would be prudent for prescribing clinicians to advise patients to withhold potentially harming medications temporarily if they cannot maintain adequate oral intake.


Author(s):  
Brenda Dorcely ◽  
Juliana Nitis ◽  
Arthur Schwartzbard ◽  
Jonathan Newman ◽  
Ira Goldberg ◽  
...  

Introduction: Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 [SGLT2] inhibitors reduce cardiovascular events and mortality in patients with diabetes, particularly patients with established cardiovascular disease. Euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis [euDKA], a complication of SGLT2 therapy, can be exacerbated by a low carbohydrate diet. Case Report: A 61-year-old man with a history of type 2 diabetes, taking a SGLT2 inhibitor empagliflozin 10 mg orally daily, presented to the emergency room with a 2-day history of nausea and chest pain. A week prior to presentation, he had started a ketogenic diet. He was initially admitted with a diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome. On initial assessment in the emergency room, his cardiac enzymes were normal and there were no ischemic changes in his ECG. As there was concern for unstable angina, he underwent cardiac catheterization, which showed a known total occlusion with collaterals and arteries with non-obstructive disease without evidence of acute plaque rupture. His baseline laboratory assessments revealed an elevated anion gap of 17, increased urinary and plasma ketones, and metabolic acidosis. His plasma glucose level was 84 mg/dL. The diagnosis of euDKA was made, and treatment with intravenous fluids and insulin was initiated. His chest pain and nausea subsequently resolved. Conclusion: We present a case of euDKA triggered by a ketogenic diet while on SGLT2 inhibitor therapy presenting as chest pain. The recognition of euDKA is important in the context of increased SGLT2 use for management of cardiovascular risk for patients with diabetes.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sindhura Inkollu ◽  
Sindhuja Korem ◽  
Sudha Ganne

Abstract Background: Sodium glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors are newer class of antihyperglycemics that cause reversible inhibition of the sodium-glucose cotransporters in the renal proximal tubules resulting in increased urinary glucose. Common side effects include yeast and urinary tract infections. The US Food and Drug Administration issued a safety warning pertaining to the development of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) with the use of SGLT2 inhibitors. The mechanisms by which SGLT2 inhibitors cause euglycemic DKA are unclear. SGLT2 inhibitors may lead to a decrease in either endogenous or exogenous insulin and an increase in glucagon production.1 This insulin deficiency or resistance may be mild in Type 2 diabetics, however, preventing the profound spike in blood glucose seen in traditional DKA. Here, we report a case of euglycemic DKA in a patient on Canagliflozin who presented initially with hypoglycemia. Clinical case: A 70 year old female presented with altered mental status for 1 day duration. Her past medical history is significant for type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, being managed on Canagliflozin, Glimepiride and Janumet. One week prior to admission she had lumbar spinal fusion surgery. Since then she has been feeling weak and tired with poor oral intake, but continued to use her medications. Initial laboratory findings showed blood glucose of 68 (70-100 mg/dl) without any acidosis. Her altered mental status was attributed to higher opioid doses which she received prior. Oral hypoglycemic agents have been held. On 2nd day of hospitalization, patient became more lethargic and complained of nausea. Laboratory testing revealed a serum glucose of 250mg/dL, serum bicarbonate of 13 (21–31mmol/L), and Anion gap of 25 (3.6–11.0mmol/L). With the suspicion of DKA, a beta-hydroxy butyrate level was obtained which was elevated at 90.10 (0 – 4.16 mg/dL). Venous blood gas analysis was significant for pH 7.23 (7.31-7.41) and pCO2 – 28 (41-51 mmHg). Urinalysis showed ketosis and glucosuria. Patient was diagnosed as euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis from Canagliflozin in presence of precipitating factors - stress and poor intake. Patient was treated with insulin drip and intravenous fluids with reduction in anion gap and correction of acidosis within 24hrs. There was a gradual improvement in her mental status. She was discharged on subcutaneous insulin, and all other diabetic medications were stopped. Conclusion: Our case highlights the importance of being vigilant in a patient on Canagliflozin, euglycemic DKA can occur even if they present initially with hypoglycemia and no acidosis. Reference: 1. Ogawa W, Sakaguchi K. Euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis induced by SGLT2 inhibitors: possible mechanism and contributing factors. J Diabetes Investig. 2016;7(2):135-138.


2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lavrynenko O ◽  
◽  
Santos H ◽  
Garza A ◽  
Qazi R ◽  
...  

Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) is a life - threatening complication and must be diagnosed and treated promptly and aggressively. The classic triad of DKA is hyperglycemia (Blood Glucose (BG) >250mg/dl; anion gap metabolic acidosis (pH <7.30 and bicarbonate <18mEq/L); and ketonemia. With Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of the sodium - glucose transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i), DKA can occur with BG levels below 200mg/dl and has been defined as Euglycemic DKA (EuDKA). Due to the absence of hyperglycemia, the diagnosis of EuDKA is challenging and often delayed. This 60-year-old diabetic male, treated with Empagliflozin and pioglitazone, presented with diarrhea and abdominal pain, which started 20 days ago. He was admitted with dehydration and diagnosis of colitis. On admission laboratory evaluation revealed metabolic acidosis with elevated anion gap of 18mEq/L, bicarbonate of 19mEq/L, and BG of 146mg/dL. There was no history of ingestion of alcohol, salicylates, methanol, ethylene glycol and nothing to suggest lactic acidosis. The plasma creatinine was 0.79mg/dl. On the following day, he developed an increase in the anion gap to 22mEq/L and further decrease in bicarbonate to 13mEq/L, and serum ketones were detected. The patient was treated for EuDKA in ICU with intravenous insulin, dextrose (to prevent hypoglycemia), and normal saline with resolution of his symptoms and EuDKA in 3 days. With the widespread use of SGLT2i, physicians need to have a high suspicion of EuDKA in patients who present with an unexplained anion gap acidosis without or only modest elevation in BG concentration.


2020 ◽  
pp. 1-2
Author(s):  
Ajay Budhwar ◽  
Parul Malhotra

We describe a case report of a patient who presented with euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis (euDKA), six days after starting treatment with sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitor, Canagliflozin. ‘Euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis’ or ‘DKA with lower-than-anticipated glucose levels’ (as recommended by AACE/ACE) is a rare, challenging and easy to miss the diagnosis A 41-year-old male with a history of type 2 Diabetes Mellitus presented with uncontrolled hyperglycemia. Canagliflozin (SGLT2 inhibitor) was added to his anti-diabetic regimen of Metformin and Sitagliptin. Six days later, he presented with symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis with normal blood glucose of 131mg/dl. The patient was further investigated with arterial blood gas analysis and serum ketone studies, keeping in view of the potential of euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis (euDKA) with SGLT2 inhibitor use. The clinical picture and lab values of the patient were consistent with diabetic ketoacidosis(DKA), although it is rare in type 2 DM. Blood glucose was in the normal range which could have delayed the diagnosis if the physician was not vigilant. If one had only focused on the blood glucose, then this potentially fatal condition could have been missed. However, when other causes of anion gap metabolic acidosis were excluded and the lab values of urine ketones, elevated beta-hydroxybutyrate, reduced bicarbonate, and normal lactate interpreted, it leads to the diagnosis of SGLT2 inhibitor-associated euglycemic DKA. We performed a literature review of this topic and discuss the history of euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis, risk factors, pathophysiology, diagnosis, management, and prevention of SGLT2 inhibitor-induced euDKA.


2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. A381-A382
Author(s):  
F N U Manas ◽  
Barbara L Mols-Kowalczewski ◽  
Shobha Mandal

Abstract Introduction: The SGLT-2 inhibitors (SGLT-2i) are a newer anti-diabetic drugs. Their use has tremendously increased due to their favorable profile but they are also the focus of attention because of their side effect of euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis (euDKA), which is challenging to diagnose because of its rarity and normal or mildly elevated blood glucose levels. SGLT2i decrease blood glucose independently of insulin secretion, by reversibly inhibiting SGLT2 protein which is responsible for reabsorbing glucose from the proximal renal tubule. Beside glycemic control with reduced glycated hemoglobin, they also decrease all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, and hospitalization for heart failure. The major side effect is genitourinary infections, euDKA and volume depletion. EuDKA is characterized by blood glucose &lt;200mg/dl, anion gap metabolic acidosis and positive serum ketones. It can, therefore, present without hyperglycemia and the symptoms of dehydration, making it challenging to identify. DKA is rarely seen in DM-2 and the normal glucose levels can cause misinterpretation of the patient’s condition, causing a delay in treatment. The beta-hydroxybutyrate and arterial pH should be checked in suspected SGLT2i associated euDKA. The mainstay of treatment of euDKA is immediately stopping SGLT2i and traditional DKA treatment protocol. Patient should be educated regarding adequate hydration and adequate calorie intake while using SGLT2i and physician should avoid using SGLT2i in patients with poor oral intake, alcohol dependence or pregnancy. Case Presentation: A 52-year-old male with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes, on Metformin and Sitagliptin, presented to clinic. Canagliflozin (SGLT-2i) was added to his oral hypoglycemic regimen. Six days later he presented with blurred vision, lightheadedness, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. On examination, he had tachycardia and tachypnea. Labs were significant for glucose levels of 131mg/dL, bicarbonate 12meq/l, anion gap 20, creatinine 0.7mg/dl, normal lactic acid. Serum ketones were positive with elevated beta-hydroxybutyrate of 5.9mmol/l. Blood gas analysis showed a pH of 7.14. The patient was admitted to ICU and managed according to the guidelines for DKA. The symptoms resolved within 24 hours, with a reduction of anion gap to 12. Canagliflozin was discontinued indefinitely and the patient was discharged with the diagnosis of SGLT2i-induced euDKA. Conclusion: SGLT2i-induced euDKA can present without the classical laboratory findings of DKA. The patients, with a history of SGLT2i use and, signs and symptoms of DKA, even in the absence of hyperglycemia, should be suspected of euDKA. The complete lab work with blood gas analysis, blood and urine ketones including beta-hydroxybutyrate level must be done to ensure that the diagnosis is not missed and timely interventions are made to manage this serious condition.


2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-4 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karun Badwal ◽  
Tooba Tariq ◽  
Diane Peirce

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors are a class of medications used for glycemic control in type II diabetes mellitus. Their mechanism of action involves preventing resorption of glucose at the proximal kidney, thereby promoting glucosuria and weight loss. However, they have also been found to be associated with euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis (euDKA). This case describes a 25-year-old male with a history of type II diabetes on metformin, sitagliptin, and dapagliflozin who was admitted with his third episode of pancreatitis secondary to hypertriglyceridemia. His home oral glycemic agents were continued as inpatient. Despite tight euglycemic control, the patient developed profound metabolic acidosis and was found to have an elevated beta-hydroxybutyrate level and normal lactic acid level. He was admitted into the intensive care unit and started on an insulin drip, and after resolution of his acidosis he was transitioned to basal insulin successfully. He was discharged with an insulin regimen while his oral glycemic agents were discontinued indefinitely. SGLT-2 inhibitors are associated with euDKA, most likely as a result of their non-insulin-dependent glucose clearance, hyperglucagonemia, and decreased ketone clearance. The aim of this case report is to inform the physician about the possibility of euDKA in a patient with type II diabetes on a SGLT-2 inhibitor presenting with an acute illness.


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