Diagnosis and Treatment > Investigation > C-peptide (blood)

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Pooja Sahni Division on Endocrinology and Metabolic Medicine and Department of Internal Medicine, St Vincent Hospital, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA

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Nitin Trivedi Division on Endocrinology and Metabolic Medicine and Department of Internal Medicine, St Vincent Hospital, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA

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Abdulkadir Omer Division on Endocrinology and Metabolic Medicine and Department of Internal Medicine, St Vincent Hospital, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA

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Summary

A 65-year-old obese Caucasian woman presented with symptomatic postprandial hypoglycemic episodes, resolution of symptoms with carbohydrate intake and significantly elevated anti-insulin antibody levels. She did not have any evidence for the use of oral antidiabetic medications, insulin, herbal substances, performing strenuous exercise or history of bariatric surgery. Fingerstick blood glucose readings revealed blood sugar of 35 mg/dL and 48 mg/dL, when she had these symptoms. Her medical history was significant for morbid obesity, hypothyroidism and gastro esophageal reflux disease. Her home medications included levothyroxine, propranolol and omeprazole. A blood sample obtained during the symptoms revealed the following: fingerstick blood sugar 38 mg/dL, venous blood glucose 60 mg/dL (normal (n): 70–99 mg/dL), serum insulin 202 IU/mL (n: <21), proinsulin 31.3 pmol/L (n: <28.9), C-peptide 8 ng/mL (n: 0.9–7), beta-hydroxybutyrate 0.12 mmol/L (n: 0.02–0.27) anti-insulin antibody >45.4 U/mL (n: <0.4). The result obtained while screening for serum sulfonylurea and meglitinides was negative. The repeated episodes of postprandial hypoglycemia associated with significantly elevated anti-insulin antibodies led to a diagnosis of insulin antibody syndrome (IAS). Significant improvement of hypoglycemic symptoms and lower anti-insulin antibody levels (33 U/mL) was noted on nutritional management during the following 6 months. Based on a report of pantoprazole-related IAS cases, her omeprazole was switched to a H2 receptor blocker. She reported only two episodes of hypoglycemia, and anti-insulin antibody levels were significantly lower at 10 U/mL after the following 12-month follow-up.

Learning points:

  • Initial assessment of the Whipple criteria is critical to establish the clinical diagnosis of hypoglycemia accurately.

  • Blood sugar monitoring with fingerstick blood glucose method can provide important information during hypoglycemia workup.

  • Autoimmune hypoglycemia is a rare cause of hypoglycemia, which can be diagnosed on high index of clinical suspicion and systematic evaluation.

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Chun-Han Lo Chung Shan Medical University School of Medicine, Taichung, Taiwan

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Ding-Ping Sun Department of Surgery, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan

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Summary

Insulinomas are the most common cause of hypoglycemia resulting from endogenous hyperinsulinism. Traditionally, inappropriately elevated levels of insulin in the face of hypoglycemia are the key to diagnosis. However, contradictory levels of insulin and C-peptide do not necessarily exclude the diagnosis. A 50-year-old female was brought to our emergency department because of conscious disturbance on the previous night. She had no history of diabetes mellitus, and was not using any medications or alcohol. Laboratory data showed low sugar, a significantly low insulin level, and elevated C-peptide. After admission, she had multiple episodes of spontaneous hypoglycemia after overnight fasts without discomfort. It was considered that a neuroendocrine tumor was the source of her hypoglycemia. CT scan of the abdomen revealed a 1.1cm hypervascular nodule in the pancreatic tail. Elective laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy was incorporated into her treatment course. A 1.2×1.0cm homogenous well-encapsulated tumor was resected. We monitored her glucose levels in the outpatient clinic every month for a period of six months. She did not have another episode of spontaneous hypoglycemia.

Learning points

  • Insulinoma causes endogenous hypoglycemia – it cannot be ruled out in patients presenting with hypoglycemia and low insulin levels; history and imaging studies should be done for further assessment

  • A 24-h fast test has the same clinical significance as that of 72-h fast test

  • C-peptide is a useful biochemical marker in addition to serum insulin, which can be used to diagnose insulinomas

  • CT scan is used to measure the tumor size and localize the tumor. However, definitive diagnosis is only achieved through histopathologic evaluation of diseased tissue

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Takashi Matsuo Internal Medicine, Nobeoka city Medical Association Hospital, Nobeoka, Japan

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Yoshihiko Ushiroda Internal Medicine, Nobeoka city Medical Association Hospital, Nobeoka, Japan

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Summary

A 32-year-old woman presented with 3days of epigastric pain and was admitted to our hospital (day 3 of disease). We diagnosed acute pancreatitis based on epigastric abdominal pain, hyperamylasemia, and an inflammatory reaction of withdrawn blood, pancreatic enlargement, and so on. Her condition improved with treatment; however, on day 8, she had decreased level of consciousness. Laboratory results led to a diagnosis of fulminant type 1 diabetes mellitus (FT1DM) with concomitant diabetic ketoacidosis. Insulin therapy improved her blood glucose levels as well as her symptoms. Fatty liver with liver dysfunction was observed on day 14, which improved by day 24. Blood levels of free fatty acids (FFAs) increased rapidly from 440μEq/L (normal range: 140–850μEq/L) on day 4 to 2097μEq/L on days 7–8 (onset of FT1DM) and subsequently decreased to 246μEq/L at the onset of fatty liver. The rapid decrease in insulin at the onset of FT1DM likely freed fatty acids derived from triglycerides in peripheral adipocytes into the bloodstream. Insulin therapy rapidly transferred FFAs from the periphery to the liver. In addition, insulin promotes the de novo synthesis of triglycerides in the liver, using newly acquired FFAs as substrates. At the same time, inhibitory effects of insulin on VLDL secretion outside of the liver promote the accumulation of triglycerides in the liver, leading to fatty liver. We describe the process by which liver dysfunction and severe fatty liver occurs after the onset of FT1DM, from the perspective of disturbed fatty acid metabolism.

Learning points

  • FT1DM is rare but should be considered in patients with pancreatitis and a decreased level of consciousness.

  • Fatty liver should be considered in patients with FT1DM when liver dysfunction is observed.

  • Insulin is involved in mechanisms that promote fatty liver formation.

  • Pathophysiological changes in fatty acid metabolism may provide clues on lipid metabolism in the early phases of FT1DM.

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Benjamin G Challis Metabolic Research Laboratories, Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, Cambridge, UK

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Chung Thong Lim Metabolic Research Laboratories, Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, Cambridge, UK

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Alison Cluroe Department of Histopathology, Cambridge University Hospitals Foundation Trust, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, UK

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Ewen Cameron Department of Gastroenterology, Cambridge University Hospitals Foundation Trust, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, UK

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Stephen O’Rahilly Metabolic Research Laboratories, Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, Cambridge, UK

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Summary

McKittrick–Wheelock syndrome (MWS) is a rare consequence of severe dehydration and electrolyte depletion due to mucinous diarrhoea secondary to a rectosigmoid villous adenoma. Reported cases of MWS commonly describe hypersecretion of mucinous diarrhoea in association with dehydration, hypokalaemia, hyponatraemia, hypochloraemia and pre-renal azotemia. Hyperglycaemia and diabetes are rarely reported manifestations of MWS. Herein we describe the case of a 59-year-old woman who presented with new-onset diabetes and severe electrolyte derangement due to a giant rectal villous adenoma. Subsequent endoscopic resection of the tumour cured her diabetes and normalised electrolytes. This case describes a rare cause of ‘curable diabetes’ and indicates hyperaldosteronism and/or whole-body potassium stores as important regulators of insulin secretion and glucose homeostasis.

Learning points

  • McKittrick–Wheelock syndrome (MWS) is typically characterised by the triad of pre-renal failure, electrolyte derangement and chronic diarrhoea resulting from a secretory colonic neoplasm.

  • Hyperglycaemia and new-onset diabetes are rare clinical manifestations of MWS.

  • Hyperaldosteronism and/or hypokalaemia may worsen glucose tolerance in MWS.

  • Aggressive replacement of fluid and electrolytes is the mainstay of acute management, with definitive treatment and complete reversal of the metabolic abnormalities being achieved by endoscopic or surgical resection of the neoplasm.

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G K Dimitriadis Warwick Institute for the Study of Endocrinology Diabetes and Metabolism (WISDEM Centre), The Arden NET Centre, University Hospitals of Coventry and Warwickshire, UHCW NHS Trust, ENETS CoE, Coventry, UK
Division of Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Campus, London, UK
Division of Translational and Systems Medicine, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK

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K Gopalakrishnan Department of Histopathology, Coventry and Warwickshire, Pathology Service, UHCW NHS Trust, Coventry, UK

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R Rao Warwick Institute for the Study of Endocrinology Diabetes and Metabolism (WISDEM Centre), The Arden NET Centre, University Hospitals of Coventry and Warwickshire, UHCW NHS Trust, ENETS CoE, Coventry, UK

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D K Grammatopoulos Division of Translational and Systems Medicine, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Histopathology, Coventry and Warwickshire, Pathology Service, UHCW NHS Trust, Coventry, UK

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H S Randeva Warwick Institute for the Study of Endocrinology Diabetes and Metabolism (WISDEM Centre), The Arden NET Centre, University Hospitals of Coventry and Warwickshire, UHCW NHS Trust, ENETS CoE, Coventry, UK
Division of Translational and Systems Medicine, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK

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M O Weickert Warwick Institute for the Study of Endocrinology Diabetes and Metabolism (WISDEM Centre), The Arden NET Centre, University Hospitals of Coventry and Warwickshire, UHCW NHS Trust, ENETS CoE, Coventry, UK

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N Murthy Warwick Institute for the Study of Endocrinology Diabetes and Metabolism (WISDEM Centre), The Arden NET Centre, University Hospitals of Coventry and Warwickshire, UHCW NHS Trust, ENETS CoE, Coventry, UK

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Summary

We report the case of a 70-year-old previously healthy female who presented acutely to the Accident and Emergency department with left-sided vasomotor symptoms including reduced muscle tone, weakness upon walking and slurred speech. Physical examination confirmed hemiparesis with VIIth nerve palsy and profound hepatomegaly. A random glucose was low at 1.7 mmol/l, which upon correction resolved her symptoms. In hindsight, the patient recalled having had similar episodes periodically over the past 3 months to which she did not give much attention. While hospitalized, she continued having episodes of symptomatic hypoglycaemia during most nights, requiring treatment with i.v. dextrose and/or glucagon. Blood tests including insulin and C-peptide were invariably suppressed, in correlation with low glucose. A Synacthen stimulation test was normal (Cort (0′) 390 nmol/l, Cort (30′) 773 nmol/l). A computed tomography scan showed multiple lobulated masses in the abdomen, liver and pelvis. An ultrasound guided biopsy of one of the pelvic masses was performed. Immunohistochemistry supported the diagnosis of a gastrointestinal stromal tumour (GIST) positive for CD34 and CD117. A diagnosis of a non islet cell tumour hypoglycaemia (NICTH) secondary to an IGF2 secreting GIST was confirmed with further biochemical investigations (IGF2=96.5 nmol/l; IGF2:IGF1 ratio 18.9, ULN <10). Treatment with growth hormone resolved the patient's hypoglycaemic symptoms and subsequent targeted therapy with Imatinib was successful in controlling disease progression over an 8-year observation period.

Learning points

  • NICTH can be a rare complication of GISTs that may manifest with severe hypoglycaemia and neuroglucopenic symptoms.

  • NICTH can masquerade as other pathologies thus causing diagnostic confusion.

  • Histological confirmation of GIST induced NICTH and exclusion of other conditions causing hypoglycaemia is essential.

  • Mutational analysis of GISTs should be carried out in all cases as it guides treatment decision.

  • Tailored management of hypoglycaemia, in this case using growth hormone and targeted cyto-reductive therapy, minimizes the risk of possible life-threatening complications.

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Avital Nahmias Neuroendocrine Tumor Unit, Endocrinology and Metabolism Service, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel

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Simona Grozinsky-Glasberg Neuroendocrine Tumor Unit, Endocrinology and Metabolism Service, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel

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Asher Salmon Department of Oncology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Kiryat Hadassah, Jerusalem, POB 12000, 91120, Israel

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David J Gross Neuroendocrine Tumor Unit, Endocrinology and Metabolism Service, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel

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Summary

Approximately 35% of the pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNETs) are functional, the most common of which is an insulinoma. Rarely can initially nonfunctioning tumor undergo biological transformation to a hormone-secreting tumor with subsequent changes in the clinical picture. We present here three unique patients with long-standing pNETs who developed life-threatening hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia along with tumor progression. In two of the patients, everolimus (Afinitor) was administered in an attempt to control both tumor growth and hypoglycemia. In two cases everolimus therapy resulted in the abolishment of hypoglycemia and induced significant tumor regression; however these beneficial responses were transient. These cases highlight the exceptional ability of pNETs to change biological behavior in parallel with disease progression. Our experience concurs with recently published studies demonstrating the utility of everolimus for the control of both hypoglycemia and tumor progression.

Learning points

  • Nonfunctional pNET can gain new features such as insulin secretion with related morbidity.

  • Gain of function in a previously nonfunctional pNET signifies tumor progression and is usually associated with poor prognosis.

  • Everolimus proved to be a viable treatment for hypoglycemia in insulinoma patients and was also proven highly effective in the patients presented here.

  • As disease progresses, the effect of everolimus on hypoglycemia wanes. We report for the first time the development of hypoglycemia during everolimus treatment.

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Aysenur Ozderya Division of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases, Kartal Dr Lutfi Kirdar Training and Research Hospital, 34890, Istanbul, Turkey

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Sule Temizkan Division of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases, Kartal Dr Lutfi Kirdar Training and Research Hospital, 34890, Istanbul, Turkey

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Kadriye Aydin Tezcan Division of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases, Kartal Dr Lutfi Kirdar Training and Research Hospital, 34890, Istanbul, Turkey

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Feyza Yener Ozturk Division of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases, Sisli Etfal Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey

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Yuksel Altuntas Division of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases, Sisli Etfal Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey

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Summary

Madelung's disease is a rare fat metabolism disorder characterised by benign multiple symmetric, encapsulated lipomatosis. The exact cause of the disease is unknown; it may be associated with chronic alcoholism and mutations in mitochondrial DNA (A8344G), but there have been cases without these factors reported in the literature. A 29-year-old man with a 6-year history of diabetes mellitus was admitted to our hospital for poorly regulated diabetes and decreased libido. He was not an alcohol consumer. His family history was unremarkable. Physical examination revealed that he had a eunuchoid body shape. There was a symmetric excess fat accumulation in his submandibular, deltoid, nuchal, suprapubic and inguinal areas. He was diagnosed with Madelung's disease, and imaging studies supported the diagnosis. Hormonal evaluation revealed a hypergonadotropic hypogonadism. Karyotype analysis revealed a 47,XXY mutation. Genetic research showed no mitochondrial DNA mutation. Metabolic disorders, such as diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidaemia, hyperuricaemia and liver disease, endocrine gland diseases, such as hypothyroidism, and neurological diseases, such as polyneuropathy and cognitive disorders, may accompany Madelung's disease. The present study represents the first reported case of Madelung's disease accompanied by Klinefelter's syndrome.

Learning points

  • Madelung's disease is a rare fat metabolism disorder characterised by benign multiple symmetric and encapsulated lipid accumulation.

  • The exact cause of the disease is unknown.

  • Metabolic disorders, such as diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidaemia, hyperuricaemia and liver disease, endocrine gland diseases, such as hypothyroidism, and neurological diseases, such as polyneuropathy and cognitive disorders, may accompany Madelung's disease.

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Shinya Makino Department of Internal Medicine, Osaka Gyomeikan Hospital, 5-4-8 Nishikujo, Konohana-ku, Osaka, 554-0012, Japan

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Takeshi Uchihashi Department of Internal Medicine, Osaka Gyomeikan Hospital, 5-4-8 Nishikujo, Konohana-ku, Osaka, 554-0012, Japan

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Yasuo Kataoka Department of Internal Medicine, Osaka Gyomeikan Hospital, 5-4-8 Nishikujo, Konohana-ku, Osaka, 554-0012, Japan

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Masayoshi Fujiwara Department of Internal Medicine, Osaka Gyomeikan Hospital, 5-4-8 Nishikujo, Konohana-ku, Osaka, 554-0012, Japan

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Summary

Recovery from alopecia is rare in autoimmune polyglandular syndrome (APS). A 41-year-old male was admitted to our hospital with hyperglycemia. He developed alopecia areata (AA) 5 months before admission and developed thirst, polyuria, and anorexia in 2 weeks. His plasma glucose level upon admission was 912 mg/dl (50.63 mmol/l) and HbA1c was 13.7%. Although urinary and plasma C-peptide levels showed that insulin secretion was not depleted, anti-insulinoma-associated antigen 2 antibody was present. In addition, measurement of thyroid autoantibodies revealed the presence of Hashimoto's thyroiditis. These findings suggested a diagnosis of APS type 3. The patient has showed signs of improvement with the continuation of insulin therapy. During the successful control of diabetes, he had total hair regrowth within 2–3 months. Human leukocyte antigen typing showed that DRB1*1501-DQB1*0602 and DQB1*0301 were present. Similar cases should be accumulated to clarify the association of APS type 3 with recovery from AA.

Learning points

  • Alopecia in diabetic patients is a suspicious manifestation of autoimmune type 1 diabetes.

  • Patients with autoimmune type 1 diabetes specifically manifesting alopecia should be further examined for diagnosis of APS.

  • Insulin-mediated metabolic improvement may be a factor, but not the sole factor, determining a favorable outcome of alopecia in patients with autoimmune type 1 diabetes.

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Marcos M Lima-Martínez Departamento de Ciencias Fisiológicas, Universidad de Oriente, Ciudad Bolívar, Venezuela
Unidad de Endocrinología, Diabetes, Metabolismo y Nutrición, Anexo A. Centro Médico Orinoco, Avenida Siegart, Ciudad Bolívar 8001, Venezuela

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Ernesto Guerra-Alcalá Departamento de Medicina, Hospital Vargas, Caracas, Venezuela

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Miguel Contreras Centro Médico El Valle, Porlamar, Venezuela

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José Nastasi Servicio de Genética Médica, Universidad de Oriente, Ciudad Bolívar, Venezuela

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Janelle A Noble Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute, Oakland, California, USA

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Constantin Polychronakos Departments of Paediatrics and Human Genetics, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada

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Summary

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is a chronic disease characterized by the autoimmune destruction of pancreatic β-cells. This paper describes the case of a 19-year-old male patient who presented with glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) antibody positive and diabetic ketoacidosis, which mandated intensive insulin treatment. Once the ketoacidosis was controlled, an oral dose of 100 mg of sitagliptin was administered once a day. Ketoacidosis was managed by insulin and insulin daily requirement began to dwindle after one month, until its complete withdrawal at 8 weeks, when partial remission was reached. The patient has now remained on sitagliptin treatment alone for a year, without requiring insulin. The benefit observed with this medication is possibly associated with its immunological effects. Inhibition of dipeptidyl peptidase 4 in animal models deregulates the Th1 immune response, increases secretion of Th2 cytokines, activates CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ regulatory T-cells, and prevents IL17 production.

Learning points

  • The use of insulin-dose-adjusted HbA1c constitutes the best way to define partial remission in T1DM patients.

  • The use of sitagliptin in T1DM patients could help to decrease daily requirement of insulin by delaying β-cell loss and improving endogenous insulin production.

  • The determination of antibodies against insulin, islet cells, and GAD permits differentiation of T1DM patients from those with atypical or ketosis-prone diabetes.

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Kamel Mohammedi Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Bichat Hospital, Department of Diabetology, Endocrinology and Nutrition, 46 rue Henri Huchard, 75877 Paris Cedex 18, France

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Charbel Abi Khalil Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Bichat Hospital, Department of Diabetology, Endocrinology and Nutrition, 46 rue Henri Huchard, 75877 Paris Cedex 18, France

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Sophie Olivier Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Bichat Hospital, Department of Diabetology, Endocrinology and Nutrition, 46 rue Henri Huchard, 75877 Paris Cedex 18, France

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Imane Benabad Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Bichat Hospital, Department of Diabetology, Endocrinology and Nutrition, 46 rue Henri Huchard, 75877 Paris Cedex 18, France

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Ronan Roussel Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Bichat Hospital, Department of Diabetology, Endocrinology and Nutrition, 46 rue Henri Huchard, 75877 Paris Cedex 18, France

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Michel Marre Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Bichat Hospital, Department of Diabetology, Endocrinology and Nutrition, 46 rue Henri Huchard, 75877 Paris Cedex 18, France

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Summary

Hypoglycemia is a common medical emergency. It is the most frequent complication induced by anti-diabetic treatment. However, it can be observed in other conditions unrelated to diabetes such as insulinoma, autoimmune disorders, and neoplasia. Herein, we report the case of a rare cause of severe and recurrent hypoglycemia in a 77-year-old woman with a malignant solitary fibrous tumor (MSFT). A 77-year-old woman was admitted to the emergency department for loss of consciousness induced by severe hypoglycemia. Her standard laboratory findings were unremarkable. HbA1c, albumin, renal, liver, thyroid, and adrenal function tests were normal. Cerebral CT scan was also normal. At the time of confirmed hypoglycemia, the serum level of insulin and C-peptide was low. On the basis of the past medical history and the absence of other comment etiologies, a paraneoplastic cause was suspected. Thus, the diagnosis of a non-islet cell tumor-induced hypoglycemia (NICTH) was established by the presence of incompletely processed precursors of IGF2 (big IGF2) in plasma electrophoresis. However, the IGF1 level was low. Therapy with corticosteroids improved hypoglycemia and clinical symptoms. NICTH is a rare cause of hypoglycemia. It should be considered in patients with mesenchymal or malignant epithelial tumors suffering from recurrent episodes of hypoglycemia. The diagnosis will be established in the case of low serum insulin concentrations and elevated levels of big IGF2. Treatment with corticosteroids, GH, or both can improve hypoglycemic symptoms and restore plasma glucose to normal levels.

Learning points

  • NICTH is a very rare condition that should be considered in patients known to have mesenchymal or malignant epithelial tumors and suffering from recurrent episodes of hypoglycemia.

  • The diagnosis of an NICTH is established on the basis of the hypoinsulinemic hypoglycemia, the MSFT history, and the presence of paraneoplastic secretion of IGF1 or an immature form of IGF2.

  • Treatment with corticosteroids, GH, or both can improve hypoglycemic symptoms and restore plasma glucose to normal levels in NICTH.

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