Fasting-Associated Euglycemic Diabetic Ketoacidosis in a Patient on SGLT2 Inhibitor Therapy: A Rare and Challenging Diagnostic Dilemma in the Emergency Department.
Vijay Kumar S.S. Assistant Profesor, Department of Emergency Medicine, Kanachur Institute of Medical Sciences, Deralakatte, Mangalore 575018, India
Ananth Prasad Rao H.T. Associate Professor, Department of Emergency Medicine, Kanachur Institute of Medical Sciences, Mangalore 575018, India
Shabbir Shekhli Associate Professor, Department of Emergency Medicine, Rajarajeshwari Medical College and Hospital, Bangalore 560074, India
Anila Jose Assistant Professor, Department of General Medicine, Sree Narayana Institute of Medical Sciences Chalakka, Kunnukara 683594, India
Address for correspondence: Vijay Kumar S.S., Assistant Profesor, Department of Emergency Medicine, Kanachur Institute of Medical Sciences, Deralakatte, Mangalore 575018, India E-mail: vijay8792069357@gmail.com
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Kumar SS, Rao HT, et al. Fasting-associated euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis in a patient on SGLT2 inhibitor therapy: a rare and challenging diagnostic dilemma in the emergency department. Ind J Emerg Med. 2025;11(2):131-5.
Timeline
Received : January 20, 2025
Accepted : February 28, 2025
Published : June 05, 2025
Abstract
Euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis (eDKA) is a rare but life-threatening condition that can occur in patients taking sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, particularly under conditions of metabolic stress, such as fasting. We report the case of a 45-year-old male with type 2 diabetes who presented to the emergency department with symptoms of nausea, vomiting, and tachypnea following
prolonged fasting during a religious observance. Despite normal blood glucose levels, he was diagnosed with eDKA, likely triggered by the combined effects of fasting and SGLT2 inhibitor therapy. This case underscores the importance of considering eDKA in patients on SGLT2 inhibitors, even with normal glucose levels, particularly during periods of fasting or metabolic stress. The management of eDKA follows the principles of traditional diabetic ketoacidosis treatment, including insulin infusion, fluid resuscitation, and electrolyte correction. Awareness of this rare complication is crucial for emergency physicians to ensure timely diagnosis and intervention.
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All authors contributed significantly to the work and approve its publication.
Ethics Declaration
The Institute Ethics Committee, RRMCH Bangalore.
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Cite this article
Kumar SS, Rao HT, et al. Fasting-associated euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis in a patient on SGLT2 inhibitor therapy: a rare and challenging diagnostic dilemma in the emergency department. Ind J Emerg Med. 2025;11(2):131-5.
This license enables reusers to distribute, remix, adapt,
and build upon the material in any medium or format for noncommercial purposes
only, and only so long as attribution is given to the creator.
This license enables reusers to distribute, remix, adapt,
and build upon the material in any medium or format for noncommercial purposes
only, and only so long as attribution is given to the creator.