Euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis in a patient with acute stroke taking sodium glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitor

Ann Med Surg (Lond). 2022 Jul 5:79:104118. doi: 10.1016/j.amsu.2022.104118. eCollection 2022 Jul.

Abstract

Introduction: Diabetic Ketoacidosis is characterized by a triad of metabolic acidosis, hyperglycemia, and ketonemia. It is a medical emergency that needs urgent and aggressive management. In some cases, the blood glucose level may be relatively normal. Such a condition is known as Euglycemic Diabetic Ketoacidosis.

Case presentation: We present a case of Euglycemic Diabetic Ketoacidosis, who was initially brought to the emergency room with the features of acute stroke. There was a diagnostic dilemma among the treating physicians due to his relatively normal blood glucose levels while he developed ketoacidosis.

Discussion: Presentation of the patients includes similar to DKA such as nausea, vomiting, malaise, fatigue, and Kussmaul's respiration. The diabetic patients under sodium glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitor therapy may develop it under the setting of different precipitating factors like infection, trauma/surgery, strenuous physical exercise, fasting, alcohol intake and acute vascular events.

Conclusion: Euglycemic DKA is a rare condition and its diagnosis is a challenging task. So, we should always consider it as a differential whenever any diabetic patient shows with increased anion gap metabolic acidosis with or without typical symptoms and signs. Also, we need to be aware to discontinue of SGLT-2 medication during the time of infection, surgery, severe trauma, acute illness and dehydration in the diabetic patients.

Keywords: Diabetic ketoacidosis; Sodium-glucose transporter 2 inhibitor; Stroke.

Publication types

  • Case Reports