Pagana: Mosby’s Manual of Diagnostic and Laboratory Tests, 5th Edition
Adolescent with Diabetes Mellitus (DM)
Case Study
The patient, a 16-year-old high-school football player, was brought to the emergency
room in a coma. His mother said that during the past month he had lost 12 pounds and
experienced excessive thirst associated with voluminous urination that often required
voiding several times during the night. There was a strong family history of diabetes
mellitus (DM). The results of physical examination were essentially negative except for
sinus tachycardia and Kussmaul respirations.
Studies Results
Serum glucose test (on admission), p. 240 1100 mg/dL (normal: 60-120 mg/dL)
Arterial blood gases (ABGs) test (on admission),
p. 110
pH 7.23 (normal: 7.35-7.45)
Pco2 30 mm Hg (normal: 35-45 mm Hg)
HCO2 12 mEq/L (normal: 22-26 mEq/L)
Serum osmolality test, p. 364 440 mOsm/kg (normal: 275-300 mOsm/kg)
Serum glucose test, p. 240 250 mg/dL (normal: 70-115 mg/dL)
2-hour postprandial glucose test (2-hour PPG), p.
244
500 mg/dL (normal: <140 mg/dL)
Glucose tolerance test (GTT), p. 248
Fasting blood glucose 150 mg/dL (normal: 70-115 mg/dL)
30 minutes 300 mg/dL (normal: <200 mg/dL)
1 hour 325 mg/dL (normal: <200 mg/dL)
2 hours 390 mg/dL (normal: <140 mg/dL)
3 hours 300 mg/dL (normal: 70-115 mg/dL)
4 hours 260 mg/dL (normal: 70-115 mg/dL)
Glycosylated hemoglobin, p. 252 9% (normal: <7%)
Diabetes mellitus autoantibody panel, p.196
Insulin autoantibody Positive titer >1/80
Islet cell antibody Positive titer >1/120
Glutamic acid decarboxylase antibody Positive titer >1/60
Microalbumin, p. 931 <20 mg/L
Diagnostic Analysis
The patient's symptoms and diagnostic studies were classic for hyperglycemic
ketoacidosis associated with DM. The glycosylated hemoglobin showed that he had been
hyperglycemic over the last several months. The results of his arterial blood gases
(ABGs) test on admission indicated metabolic acidosis with some respiratory
compensation. He was treated in the emergency room with IV regular insulin and IV
fluids; however, before he received any insulin levels, insulin antibodies were obtained
and were positive, indicating a degree of insulin resistance. His microalbumin was
normal, indicating no evidence of diabetic renal disease, often a late complication of
diabetes.
During the first 72 hours of hospitalization, the patient was monitored with frequent
serum glucose determinations. Insulin was administered according to the results of these
studies. His condition was eventually stabilized on 40 units of Humulin N insulin daily.
He was converted to an insulin pump and did very well with that. Comprehensive patient
instruction regarding self-blood glucose monitoring, insulin administration, diet, exercise,
foot care, and recognition of the signs and symptoms of hyperglycemia and
hypoglycemia was given.
Critical Thinking Questions
1. Why was this patient in metabolic acidosis? 2. Do you think the patient will be switched eventually to an oral hypoglycemic agent? 3. How do you anticipate this adolescent social life is going to be affected? 4. How could you help this patient to be compliant with his treatment?