New-Onset Fulminant Type 1 Diabetes Following SARS-CoV-2 Protein Subunit Vaccine: A Case Report and Literature Review

J Korean Med Sci. 2023 Jun 19;38(24):e209. doi: 10.3346/jkms.2023.38.e209.

Abstract

The ravages of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) worldwide have sped up the development of relevant vaccines, which is accompanied by public concerns over possible adverse effects. We report a rare case of a 39-year-old woman who suffered from severe hyperglycemia and ketoacidosis with normal hemoglobin A1c four days after SARS-CoV-2 protein subunit vaccine, which is consistent with the diagnosis of fulminant type 1 diabetes (FT1D). She received insulin therapy and recovered after 24 days from onset of the symptoms. This is the first case of new-onset FT1D after SARS-CoV-2 protein subunit vaccination and one of only six that developed after any form of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. We hope to raise awareness of this potential adverse consequence and recommend careful monitoring after vaccination in patients even without a medical history of diabetes.

Keywords: Adverse Effects; Fulminant Type 1 Diabetes; Protein Subunit Vaccine; SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • COVID-19 Vaccines* / adverse effects
  • COVID-19* / prevention & control
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1*
  • Endocrine System Diseases*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Protein Subunits
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Vaccination

Substances

  • COVID-19 Vaccines
  • Protein Subunits