Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor-associated euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis in COVID-19-infected patients: A systematic review of case reports

BACKGROUND Diabetic ketoacidosis(DKA)manifests as hyperglycemia,metabolic acidosis,and ketosis.However,euglycemic DKA(eu-DKA)conceals severe DKA with glucose levels below 200 mg/dL.Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2(SGLT2)inhibitors can induce eu-DKA in diabetic patients.Notably,coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)-infected individuals with diabetes using SGLT2 inhibitors face an augmented risk of eu-DKA due to the direct toxic impact of the virus on pancreatic islets.This study aims to comprehensively investigate the association between SGLT2 inhibitors and eu-DKA in COVID-19 patients through meticulous case report analysis.Additionally,we endeavor to examine the outcomes and treatment approaches for COVID-19-infected diabetics receiving SGLT2 inhibitors,providing indispensable insights for healthcare professionals managing this specific patient population.AIM To investigate the connection between SGLT2 inhibitors and euglycemic DKA in COVID-19 patients through a meticulous analysis of case reports.METHODS We conducted an exhaustive search across prominent electronic databases,including PubMed,SCOPUS,Web of Science,and Google Scholar.This search encompassed the period from December 2019 to May 2022,incorporating published studies and pre-prints.The search terms employed encompassed“SGLT2 inhibitors”,“euglycemic DKA”,“COVID-19”,and related variations.By incorporating these diverse sources,our objective was to ensure a thorough exploration of the existing literature on this subject,thereby augmenting the validity and robustness of our findings.RESULTS Our search yielded a total of seven case reports and one case series,collectively comprising a cohort of twelve patients.These reports detailed instances of eu-DKA in individuals with COVID-19.Crucially,all twelve patients were utilizing SGLT2 as their primary anti-diabetic medication.Upon admission,all oral medications were promptly discontinued,and the patients were initiated on intravenous insulin therapy to effectively manage the DKA.Encouragingly,eleven patients demonstrated a favorable outcome,while regrettably,one patient succumbed to the condition.Subsequently,SGLT2 were discontinued for all patients upon their discharge from the hospital.These findings provide valuable insights into the clinical management and outcomes of eu-DKA cases associated with COVID-19 and SGLT2,underscoring the critical importance of prompt intervention and vigilant medication adjustments.CONCLUSION Our study sheds light on the possibility of diabetic patients developing both drug-related and unrelated DKA,as well as encountering adverse outcomes in the context of COVID-19,despite maintaining satisfactory glycemic control.The relationship between glycemic control and clinical outcomes in COVID-19 remains ambiguous.Consequently,this systematic review proposes that COVID-19-infected diabetic patients using SGLT2 should contemplate alternative treatment protocols until their recovery from the disease.

Sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitor-associated euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis that prompted the diagnosis of fulminant type-1 diabetes:A case report

Fulminant type 1 diabetes mellitus(FT1DM)is a subtype of type 1 diabetes mellitus characterized by an abrupt onset and a rapid and complete functional loss of isletβcells.It is a very rare disease generally associated with ketoacidosis and the absence of circulating pancreatic islet-related autoantibodies.Diabetic ketoacidosis with normal blood glucose levels has been reported during sodiumglucose co-transporter 2(SGLT2)inhibitor therapy.CASE SUMMARY The patient was a 43-year-old woman that consulted a medical practitioner for malaise,thirst,and vomiting.Blood analysis showed high blood glucose levels(428 mg/dL),a mild increase of hemoglobin A1c(6.6%),and increased ketone bodies in urine.The patient was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus.The patient was initially treated with insulin,which was subsequently changed to an oral SGLT2 inhibitor.Antibodies to glutamic acid decarboxylase were negative.Four days after receiving oral SGLT2 inhibitor,she consulted at Mie University Hospital,complaining of fatigue and vomiting.Laboratory analysis revealed diabetic ketoacidosis with almost normal blood glucose levels.The endogenous insulin secretion was markedly low,and the serum levels of islet-related autoantibodies were undetectable.We made the diagnosis of FT1DM with concurrent SGLT2 inhibitor-associated euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis.The patient's general condition improved after therapy with intravenous insulin and withdrawal of oral medication.She was discharged on day 14 with an indication of multiple daily insulin therapy.CONCLUSION This patient is a rare case of FT1DM that developed SGLT2 inhibitor-associated diabetic ketoacidosis with almost normal blood glucose levels.This case report underscores the importance of considering the diagnosis of FT1DM in patients with negative circulating autoantibodies and a history of hyperglycemia that subsequently develop euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis following treatment with a SGLT2 inhibitor.

Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors induced euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis within four days of initiation

Euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis(EDKA)is a well-known complication of sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors,and many cases with variable onset following the initiation of these agents are reported before,with a median onset of approximately 2 wk.This letter discusses a 45-year-old lady who initially presented with ischemic stroke but developed EDKA 4 d after starting empagliflozin,a rare occurrence.The patient had severe metabolic acidosis that necessitated admission into the intensive care unit.Prompt discontinuation of empagliflozin and DKA management resulted in clinical recovery.

Euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis:A rare but serious side effect of sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors

Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2(SGLT2)inhibitors are an insulin-independent class of oral antihyperglycemic medication and from recently established therapy in chronic heart failure patients.A rare,but potentially life-threatening complication of SGLT2 inhibitor use is euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis.We described a case of a middle-aged male patient with type 2 diabetes who developed metabolic ketoacidosis after a few days of empagliflozin administration.SGLT2 inhibitor related ketoacidosis presents with euglycemia or only modestly elevated glucose blood concentrations,which causes delayed detection and treatment of ketoacidosis.There are multiple possible risk factors and mechanism that might contribute to the pathogenesis of ketoacidosis.It is implied that SGLT2 inhibitor use and prescription by non-diabetologists(cardiologists,nephrologists,family physicians,etc.)will continue to grow in the future.It is important to inform the general cardiac public about this rare but serious side effect of SGLT2 inhibitors.