Chorea Associated with Diabetic Striatopathy in an Elderly Female: A Case Report

Diabetic striatopathy is a rare manifestation of diabetes mellitus. The disease commonly affects individuals of Asian descent, female, and the elderly. Patients usually present with hemiballism-hemichorea caused by hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state. Prompt recognition of a hyperglycemiainduced hemiballism-hemichorea is essential because the symptoms are reversible with correction of hyperglycemia. Diagnosis is possible based on blood reports and neuroimaging findings. J Bangladesh Coll Phys Surg 2022; 40: 65-67

A Snapshot of Risk Stratification of Diabetic Patients Fasting during the Month of Ramadan

Objectives: To get a clinical snapshot of the diabetic patients who planned to fast during the month of Ramadan and to determine the ability of the RRR application to effectively risk-stratify patients. Study Design: Observational study. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Diabetes & Endocrinology, Armed Forces Hospital Al-Hada, Taif, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from 1st April 2018 to 31st May 2018. Methodology: Ninety six patients over 15 years of age with diabetes mellitus were risk stratified using standardized risk criteria were enrolled. Detailed analysis of the information was performed to paint a clinical landscape of the patients who intended to fast. Results: Seventy four percent of the patients were type 2 diabetics, 11% GDM, 31% were between 60-70 years and 17 % had diabetes for more than 20 years. 17% of participants had serious complications during the last three months before Ramadan including hypoglycemia, Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) and hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS). 59% had chronic diabetic complications. 28 % of patients were on both insulin and oral hypoglycemic agents (OHA) together and 16 % on high risk medications. 25% of patients had an HbA1C of more than 10%. Pertaining to the previous Ramadan experience 19% disclosed having serious complications in the past. 6 % were categorized as low risk individuals, 76% as moderate, 6% high and 12 % as very high risk. Conclusions: Astonishingly all the patients advised to refrain from fasting insisted on fasting. Considering the latest IDF numbers the above calculated percentages would translate into very huge numbers who are in serious jeopardy. In order to prevent serious consequences it is highly recommends that evidence based and validated risk stratification strategies are implemented in routine clinical practices. Keywords: Diabetes mellitus, Fast, Hypoglycemia, High risk patients

Excessive Blood Glucose in Diabetic Ketoacidosis and Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemia: A Rare Case Report

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune assault on pancreatic β-cells characterized by a decrease in insulin production. The worldwide incidence rate of T1D is reportedly increasing. In parallel with the increase of T1D, diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS) also appear as two risk factors for hyperglycemia. This case report presents a T1D patient with DKA and HHS who was finally discharged after recovery.

Fructose-induced severe hypertriglyceridemia and diabetes mellitus: a cautionary tale

Summary Drinking fruit juice is an increasingly popular health trend, as it is widely perceived as a source of vitamins and nutrients. However, high fructose load in fruit beverages can have harmful metabolic effects. When consumed in high amounts, fructose is linked with hypertriglyceridemia, fatty liver and insulin resistance. We present an unusual case of a patient with severe asymptomatic hypertriglyceridemia (triglycerides of 9182 mg/dL) and newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus, who reported a daily intake of 15 L of fruit juice over several weeks before presentation. The patient was referred to our emergency department with blood glucose of 527 mg/dL and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) of 17.3%. Interestingly, features of diabetic ketoacidosis or hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state were absent. The patient was overweight with an otherwise unremarkable physical exam. Lipase levels, liver function tests and inflammatory markers were closely monitored and remained unremarkable. The initial therapeutic approach included i.v. volume resuscitation, insulin and heparin. Additionally, plasmapheresis was performed to prevent potentially fatal complications of hypertriglyceridemia. The patient was counseled on balanced nutrition and detrimental effects of fruit beverages. He was discharged home 6 days after admission. At a 2-week follow-up visit, his triglyceride level was 419 mg/dL, total cholesterol was 221 mg/dL and HbA1c was 12.7%. The present case highlights the role of fructose overconsumption as a contributory factor for severe hypertriglyceridemia in a patient with newly diagnosed diabetes. We discuss metabolic effects of uncontrolled fructose ingestion, as well as the interplay of primary and secondary factors, in the pathogenesis of hypertriglyceridemia accompanied by diabetes. Learning points Excessive dietary fructose intake can exacerbate hypertriglyceridemia in patients with underlying type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and absence of diabetic ketoacidosis or hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state. When consumed in large amounts, fructose is considered a highly lipogenic nutrient linked with postprandial hypertriglyceridemia and de novo hepatic lipogenesis (DNL). Severe lipemia (triglyceride plasma level > 9000 mg/dL) could be asymptomatic and not necessarily complicated by acute pancreatitis, although lipase levels should be closely monitored. Plasmapheresis is an effective adjunct treatment option for rapid lowering of high serum lipids, which is paramount to prevent acute complications of severe hypertriglyceridemia.