Serious diabetic ketoacidosis induced by insulin allergy and anti‐insulin antibody in an individual with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Abstract

ABSTRACT Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is one of the most serious acute metabolic complications of diabetes mellitus, and is characterized by hyperglycemia, metabolic acidosis and increased total ketone body concentrations. The main mechanism of DKA is a lack of insulin in the body. It has been reported that some immunological response is associated with insulin therapy. Herein, we report a case of serious DKA, which was induced by insulin allergy and anti‐insulin antibody. This case clearly shows that DKA can be induced by insulin allergy and anti‐insulin antibodies in individuals with type 2 diabetes treated with insulin. Furthermore, we should know that as the required insulin dose might be very high under severe insulin resistance and serious DKA in such cases, we should increase the insulin dose appropriately while monitoring pH, base excess and other factors.

Keywords

• Anti‐insulin antibody
• Diabetic ketoacidosis
• Insulin allergy