Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus Associated with Dermatomyositis: A Case Report

Abstract

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is an autoimmune illness that targets specific organs and associated with other autoimmune conditions. Dermatomyositis is an idiopathic systemic autoimmune condition involving skeletal muscles and skin. Co-occurrence of both disorders is quite rare. We diagnosed dermatomyositis in a young male with T1DM who presented with muscle weakness and cutaneous manifestations. There is an additional metabolic hurdle in T1DM, as high doses of glucocorticoids used in dermatomyositis management are related to glycemic instability which requires regular blood sugar monitoring and insulin dose titration accordingly. Considering the prognostic consequences, early diagnosis and management of dermatomyositis is essential.

Keywords

• autoimmune diabetes; creatine phosphokinase; dermatomyositis; type 1 diabetes mellitus