Article Test

Home  >  Medical Research Archives  >  Issue 149  > Mistaken Identity: Missed Diagnosis of Type 1 Diabetes in an Older Adult
Published in the Medical Research Archives
Aug 2019 Issue

Mistaken Identity: Missed Diagnosis of Type 1 Diabetes in an Older Adult

Published on Aug 15, 2019

DOI 

Abstract

 

Type 1 diabetes can occur at any age from infancy to elderhood. Patients with hyperglycemia onset at older ages are presumed to have type 2 diabetes. We discuss the case of a 58-year-old man who presented with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) at age 51 but was given the diagnosis of type 2 diabetes.  During two subsequent admissions for DKA, he suffered severe complications.  After his third episode of DKA, antibodies and C-peptide were checked, prompting a change in diagnosis to T1DM.  Following a correct diagnosis of T1DM, diabetes education and appropriate treatment, the patient remained free of DKA and had improved glucose control.  Under-diagnosis of type 1 diabetes can lead to recurrence of life-threatening episodes of DKA. Anti-GAD antibody and C-peptide testing are under-utilized in the differential diagnosis of type 1 versus type 2 diabetes in adults. The correct diagnosis is necessary to prevent hospital readmissions, morbidity, mortality and medical errors.  

Author info

Yicheng Bao, Jessica Ma, Vishwanath Ganesan, Janet Mcgill

Have an article to submit?

Submission Guidelines

Submit a manuscript

Become a member

Call for papers

Have a manuscript to publish in the society's journal?