Different contribution of class II HLA in fulminant and typical autoimmune type 1 diabetes mellitus

Case of new-onset fulminant type 1 diabetes mellitus accompanied by autoimmune thyroid disease after SARS-CoV-2 infection

There is growing evidence suggesting an association between severe acute respiratory coronavirus syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and various extrapulmonary diseases since the advent of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. However, case reports of fulminant type 1 diabetes mellitus (FT1D) following SARS-CoV-2 infection are limited. We encountered a 44-year-old Japanese woman who developed FT1D accompanied by subclinical thyrotoxicosis caused by autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD) approximately one week after SARS-CoV-2 infection. The patient developed fever and flu-like symptom 4 days before transportation and tested positive then for the SARS-CoV-2 antigen self-test. She subsequently developed sudden thirst, polyuria, and fatigue of 1 day duration and was urgently brought to our emergency room. Laboratory findings indicated diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) without marked elevation of serum glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels (glucose, 930 mg/dL; HbA1c, 7.4%). Her insulin secretory capacity was almost completely depleted, and islet-specific autoantibodies were negative. Endocrine examinations revealed subclinical thyrotoxicosis, which was positive for thyroid stimulation hormone receptor antibodies. Based on these results, the patient was diagnosed with FT1D accompanied by AITD and immediately started on intensive insulin therapy with a basal-bolus subcutaneous insulin regimen. Human leukocyte antigen analysis revealed haplotypes, indicating susceptibility to both FT1D and AITD. Further studies are required to elucidate the causal relationship between SARS-CoV-2 infection, FT1D, and AITD. However, clinicians must be vigilant about possible development of FT1D and AITD to enable accurate diagnosis and treatment of patients with DKA during the COVID-19 pandemic.

A Case of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus With Endogenous Insulin Secretory Depletion Confirmed in Two Weeks

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is manifested as a decrease in endogenous insulin secretion. With this report, we present a case of T1DM where a rapid decline in insulin secretion was observed in a short span of time. A 56-year-old female patient presented with cold-like symptoms with subsequent dry mouth and malaise to the hospital. Three weeks later, she was diagnosed with diabetic ketoacidosis based on the presence of hyperglycemia, metabolic acidosis, and positive ketone bodies. Her serum connecting peptide (CPR) levels substantially decreased (1.31 to 0.19 ng/mL after two weeks) and she was eventually diagnosed with T1DM. We hypothesized that a subtype T1DM with a longer beta cell loss rate than conventional fulminant type 1 diabetes was involved. This subtype showed characteristics of immune checkpoint inhibitor-associated fulminant type 1 diabetes and is suggested to exist among those diagnosed with conventional acute-onset type 1 diabetes. Finally, we recommend that diabetic ketoacidosis of unknown etiology should be investigated for the concurrent presence of T1DM.

Fulminant type 1 diabetes linked with fetal death in utero

Fulminant type 1 diabetes is a relatively new subtype of type 1 diabetes characterised by a sudden onset of severe diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in patients with no history of diabetes and can cause imminent death if untreated. We discuss a rare case of a Pacific Islander woman who was 36 weeks pregnant and presented to the emergency department with DKA and fetal death in utero having had a normal glucose tolerance test 4 weeks earlier. She was diagnosed with fulminant type 1 diabetes and was treated with an intravenous insulin-dextrose infusion. She delivered a stillborn female infant and was discharged on regular subcuticular insulin. This case is helpful in understanding a rare, lethal disease that is not well reported globally and especially in Australia, as it requires prompt recognition and treatment to prevent detrimental outcomes.

Re-Enlightenment of Fulminant Type 1 Diabetes under the COVID-19 Pandemic

Fulminant type 1 diabetes (FT1D) is a subtype of type 1 diabetes (T1D) that is characterized by the rapid progression to diabetic ketoacidosis against the background of rapid and almost complete pancreatic islet destruction. The HbA1c level at FT1D onset remains normal or slightly elevated despite marked hyperglycemia, reflecting the rapid clinical course of the disease, and is an important marker for diagnosis. FT1D often appears following flu-like symptoms, and there are many reports of its onset being linked to viral infections. In addition, disease-susceptibility genes have been identified in FT1D, suggesting the involvement of host factors in disease development. In most cases, islet-related autoantibodies are not detected, and histology of pancreatic tissue reveals macrophage and T cell infiltration of the islets in the early stages of FT1D, suggesting that islet destruction occurs via an immune response different from that occurring in autoimmune type 1 diabetes. From 2019, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) spread worldwide and became a serious problem. Reports on the association between SARS-CoV-2 and T1D are mixed, with some suggesting an increase in T1D incidence due to the COVID-19 pandemic. When discussing the association between COVID-19 and T1D, it is also necessary to focus on FT1D. However, it is not easy to diagnose this subtype without understanding the concept. Therefore, authors hereby review the concept and the latest findings of FT1D, hoping that the association between COVID-19 and T1D will be adequately evaluated in the future.

Fulminant Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus Associated With Drug Hypersensitivity and Epstein–Barr Virus Infection: A Case Report

Background: Fulminant type 1 diabetes mellitus (FT1DM) is a new subtype of type 1 diabetes, first proposed by Japanese scholars in 2000. Herein, the functions of the islets are rapidly destroyed. Its pathogenesis is related to viral infection. Most people have been infected with Epstein–Barr virus (EBV), and many people have also suffered from drug hypersensitivity, however, few cases of FT1DM which were caused by both of the two conditions have been reported. Thus, below, we describe one such valuable case.

Case Summary: The plasma glucose levels of a 73‐year‐old man diagnosed with drug-induced dermatitis showed a sudden increase (42 mmol/L) during methylprednisolone therapy. The urine ketone test was positive. The glycated hemoglobin level was 7%, endogenous insulin secretion decreased significantly, and the islet-related autoantibodies were negative. The patient was diagnosed with FT1DM. The lymphocyte EBV-DNA showed high copies numbers. The general condition of the patient improved after symptomatic treatment with insulin. However, the systemic allergic reaction aggravated after the use of iodinated contrast agents, prednisone, and thymic pentapeptide. The re-test for EBV-DNA showed significantly high relative levels, thus indicating the presence of EBV infection. We think that drug hypersensitivity and EBV infection together led to FT1DM in this case. After an indication for multiple daily insulin therapy, the patient’s blood glucose was quickly controlled and he was discharged on the 38th-day post-admission.

Conclusion: FT1DM is a rare case, however, drug hypersensitivity and EBV infection are not rare in the population. This is a rare case of FT1DM caused by drug hypersensitivity reaction and EBV infection. Through this case report, we emphasize the importance of the relationship between drug hypersensitivity, EBV infection and FT1DM and vigilance for the occurrence of FT1DM among hypersensitive individuals in clinical practice.

Epidemiology and phenotypes of diabetes in children and adolescents in non-European-origin populations in or from Western Pacific region

BACKGROUND

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) incidence varies substantially between countries/ territories, with most studies indicating increasing incidence. In Western Pacific region (WPR), reported rates are much lower than European-origin populations. In contrast, there are reports of substantial numbers of young people with type 2 diabetes (T2D). A deeper understanding of T1D and T2D in the WPR may illuminate factors important in pathogenesis of these conditions. Furthermore, with varying resources and funding for diabetes treatment in this region, there is a need to more clearly determine the current burden of disease and also any gaps in knowledge.

AIM

To compile and summarise published epidemiologic and phenotypic data on childhood diabetes in non-European populations in and from WPR.

METHODS

Research articles were systematically searched from PubMed (MEDLINE), Embase, Cochrane library, and gray literature. Primary outcome measures were incidence and prevalence, with secondary measures including phenotypic descriptions of diabetes, including diabetes type categorization, presence of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) at onset, autoantibody positivity, C-peptide levels, and human leucocyte antigen phenotype. Extracted data were collected using a customized template. Three hundred and thirty relevant records were identified from 16 countries/territories, with analysis conducted on 265 (80.3%) records published from the year 2000.

RESULTS

T1D incidence ranged from < 1-7.3/100000 individuals/year, rates were highest in emigrant/ mixed populations and lowest in South-East Asia, with most countries/territories (71.4%) having no data since 1999. Incidence was increasing in all six countries/territories with data (annual increases 0.5%-14.2%, highest in China). Peak age-of-onset was 10-14 years, with a female case excess. Rate of DKA at onset varied from 19.3%-70%. Pancreatic autoantibodies at diagnosis were similar to European-origin populations, with glutamic acid decarboxylase-65 autoantibody frequency of 44.1%-64.5%, insulinoma-associated 2 autoantibody 43.5%-70.7%, and zinc transporter-8 autoantibody frequency 54.3% (one study). Fulminant T1D also occurs. T2D was not uncommon, with incidence in Japan and one Chinese study exceeding T1D rates. Monogenic forms also occurred in a number of countries.

CONCLUSION

T1D is less common, but generally has a classic phenotype. Some countries/ territories have rapidly increasing incidence. T2D is relatively common. Registries and studies are needed to fill many information gaps.

The changing clinical spectrum of endocrine adverse events in cancer immunotherapy

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionized the treatment of several malignancies, improving patient survival and quality of life. Endocrinopathies have emerged as a clinically significant group of immune-related adverse events (IRAEs). Although the mechanism of ICI toxicities has not been clarified, inhibition of immune checkpoints reduces immune tolerance to autoantigens, resulting in the development of autoimmunity disorders. We report current evidence regarding endocrine IRAEs that may have diagnostic and therapeutic implications. Management should be focused on a multidisciplinary approach to reach a prompt diagnosis and an appropriate and safe treatment.

The Unfavorable Impact of DR9/DR9 Genotype on the Frequency and Quality of Partial Remission in Type 1 Diabetes

CONTEXT

Partial remission (PR) is a specific stage in type 1 diabetes (T1D). Although human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class II loci are the strongest genetic determinants in T1D, the relationship between PR and HLA remains unclear.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the association between PR status and HLA genotypes in patients with T1D.

METHODS

A total of 237 patients with T1D were included. PR was defined according to C-peptide ≥300 pmol/L. The frequency of PR and peak C-peptide levels during remission phase were compared according to HLA status. Clinical characteristics including age of onset and diabetes autoantibodies were collected. All analyses were duplicated when subjects were divided into childhood- and adult-onset T1D.

RESULTS

The median follow-up time was 24 months, 65.8% (156/237) of patients with T1D went into PR. DR9/DR9 carriers had a lower PR rate (44.2% vs 70.6%, P = .001) and were less likely to enter PR (OR = 0.218, 95% CI 0.098-0.487, P < .001) than the non-DR9/DR9 carriers, observed in both childhood- and adult-onset T1D. Besides, the peak C-peptide level during PR phase was also lower in DR9/DR9 carriers, and more notable in adult-onset T1D. When compared with non-DR9/DR9 carriers, T1D with DR9/DR9 genotype presented an older age of onset and a lower positivity of zinc transporter 8 antibody (ZnT8A), and the lower trend of ZnT8A was only found in adult-onset T1D (P = .049).

CONCLUSION

Patients with T1D carrying susceptible DR9/DR9 are less prone to undergo PR. Additionally, the recovery extent of β-cell function during the PR phase tends to be lower in adults carrying DR9/DR9, which might be associated with ZnT8A.

Nivolumab-induced hypophysitis followed by acute-onset type 1 diabetes with renal cell carcinoma: a case report

Background

Immune checkpoint inhibitors have recently become widely used for the management of advanced cancer patients. During the development of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICPIs), it was quickly recognized that they are associated with autoimmune or autoinflammatory side effects. These toxicities are known as immune-related adverse events (irAEs): common endocrine irAEs include hypophysitis and thyroid dysfunction, and uncommon irAEs include type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM).

Case presentation

A 62-year-old Japanese man with metastatic renal cell carcinoma was treated with sunitinib followed by the 10th cycle of treatment with the ICPI nivolumab. He had already had thyroiditis and hypophysitis due to these anti-cancer drugs. On admission, he showed an extremely elevated plasma glucose level (601 mg/dl) and a low C-peptide level, and was diagnosed with acute T1DM. The patient was treated with intravenous fluid infusion and continuous insulin infusion. On the second day, he was switched to multiple daily injections of insulin therapy. Since these treatments, his blood glucose levels have been stable and he has been treated with an additional 10 ICPI treatments for renal cell carcinoma for over a year.

Conclusions

Treatment with ICPIs is expected to increase in the future. There may be cases in which their use for cancer treatment is inevitable despite the side effects. As long as treatment with ICPI continues, multiple side effects can be expected in some cases. It is important to carefully observe the side effects that occur during ICPI treatment and to provide appropriate treatment for each side effect.

Case Report: Infantile-Onset Fulminant Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus Caused by Novel Compound Heterozygous LRBA Variants

Lipopolysaccharide-responsive beige-like anchor (LRBA) deficiency is a subtype of common variable immune deficiency (CVID). Numerous case reports and cohort studies have described a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations and variable disease phenotypes, including immune dysregulation, enteropathy, and recurrent infections. Although LRBA deficiency is an autosomal recessive primary immunodeficiency resulting in a phenotype similar to CVID, it is a monogenic disease and separate from CVID. Recently, in a report of monogenic primary immunodeficiency disorder associated with CVID and autoimmunity, the most common mutated gene was LRBA. We report the case of a girl who presented with fulminant type 1 diabetes at age 7 months. She later experienced recurrent bacterial infections with neutropenia and idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura. Clinical genome sequencing revealed compound heterozygosity of the LRBA gene, which bore two novel mutations. A genetic basis should be considered in the differential diagnosis for very young patients with fulminant autoimmunity, and the diagnostic work-up should include evaluation of markers of immunodeficiency.

Integrative Analyses of Genes Associated with Fulminant Type 1 Diabetes

Objective

Fulminant type 1 diabetes (FT1D) is a type of type 1 diabetes, which is characterized by rapid onset of disease and severe metabolic disorders. We intend to screen for crucial genes and potential molecular mechanisms in FT1D in this study.

Method

We downloaded GSE44314, which includes six healthy controls and five patients with FT1D, from the GEO database. Identification of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) was performed by NetworkAnalyst. The Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses of DEGs were screened by an online tool-Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integration Discovery (DAVID). Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and hub genes among DEGs were analyzed by NetworkAnalyst. And we also use NetworkAnalyst to find out the microRNAs (miRNAs) and transcription factors (TFs) which regulate the expression of DEGs.

Result

We identified 130 DEGs (60 upregulated and 70 downregulated DEGs) between healthy controls and FT1D patients. GO analysis results revealed that DEGs were mostly enriched in generation of precursor metabolites and energy, neurohypophyseal hormone activity, and mitochondrial inner membrane. KEGG pathway analysis demonstrated that DEGs were mostly involved in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Results indicated that NCOA1, SRF, ERBB3, EST1, TOP1, UBE2S, INO80, COX7C, ITGAV, and COX6C were the top hub genes in the PPI network. Furthermore, we recognized that LDLR, POTEM, IFNAR2, BAZ2A, and SRF were the top hub genes in the miRNA-target gene network, and SRF, TSPAN4, CD59, ETS1, and SLC25A25 were the top hub genes in the TF-target gene network.

Conclusion

Our study pinpoints key genes and pathways associated with FT1D by a sequence of bioinformatics analysis on DEGs. These identified genes and pathways provide more detailed molecular mechanisms of FT1D and may provide novel therapeutic targets.

Fulminant type 1 diabetes: A comprehensive review of an autoimmune condition

Fulminant type 1 diabetes (FT1D) is a subset of type 1 diabetes characterized by extremely rapid pancreatic β-cell destruction with aggressive progression of hyperglycaemia and ketoacidosis. It was initially classified as idiopathic type 1 diabetes due to the absence of autoimmune markers. However, subsequent studies provide evidences supporting the involvement of autoimmunity in rapid β-cell loss in FT1D pathogenesis, which are crucial for FT1D being an autoimmune disease. This article highlights the role of immunological aspects in FT1D according to the autoimmune-associated genetic background, viral infection, innate immunity, adaptive immunity, and pancreas histology.

Unique pathological changes in the pancreas of fulminant type 1 diabetes

Distinct features of the pancreas of fulminant type 1 diabetes (FT1DM) include (1) enterovirus infection of the islets and exocrine acinar tissue. (2) Activated innate immune responses: MDA5 and RIG-I expression and TLR4 and TLR9 expression in the islets of FT1DM. (3) Combined activation of the STAT/JNK and NFkB pathways, resulting in Type I interferon (IFN) and proinflammatory cytokine (i.e., IFNγ) expression in islet beta cells and MHC class I hyper-expression. (4) Activation of dendritic cells followed by effector cell infiltration of CD8⁺ T cells and CD68⁺ macrophages, resulting in apoptosis and neurosis of islet cells and exocrine acinar cells. (5) Many chemo-attractants (i.e., CXCL10) and chemotactic activators (i.e., l-plastin) were induced by a viral infection. (6) Mutual stimulating effect of cytokines expressed in beta cells in autocrine and paracrine mechanisms may enhance beta-cell destruction through the STA1-caspase pathway. (7) Proteomics analysis using laser capture microdissection followed by mass spectrometry found 38 molecules in inflamed islets of FT1DM, which were not highlighted before. Our pathologically verified model of beta-cell destruction in FT1DM will contribute to anti-virus therapy of type 1 diabetes in the near future.

Clinical Characteristics of Fulminant Type 1 Diabetes Compared with Typical Type 1 Diabetes: One-Year Follow-Up Study from the Guangdong T1DM Translational Medicine Study

BACKGROUND

Fulminant type l diabetes mellitus (FT1DM) is a subtype of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) with abrupt onset, but data on its progression was limited. This study was aimed at exploring the clinical features through one-year follow-up. Methods and Materials. Patients with T1DM finishing at least one-year follow-up from June 2011 to July 2018 were enrolled from Guangdong Type 1 Diabetes Translational Medicine Study. Patients who fulfilled the respective criteria were categorized as an FT1DM group and a typical T1DM group (TT1DM). The 1 : 4 propensity score matching based on onset age, duration, and gender was performed between the FT1DM and TT1DM groups. Characteristics at the onset and after one-year follow-up were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

A total of 53 patients with FT1DM and 212 matched patients with TT1DM were included. At the onset, there was a shorter duration of symptomatic period before diagnosis observed in the FT1DM group than in the TT1DM group (2 [1, 7] vs. 30 [10, 60] days, P < 0.001). FT1DM patients had higher plasma glucose levels and higher percentage of diabetes ketoacidosis (P < 0.001). FT1DM patients had higher plasma glucose levels and higher percentage of diabetes ketoacidosis (P < 0.001). FT1DM patients had higher plasma glucose levels and higher percentage of diabetes ketoacidosis (P < 0.001). FT1DM patients had higher plasma glucose levels and higher percentage of diabetes ketoacidosis (P < 0.001). FT1DM patients had higher plasma glucose levels and higher percentage of diabetes ketoacidosis (P < 0.001). FT1DM patients had higher plasma glucose levels and higher percentage of diabetes ketoacidosis (P < 0.001). FT1DM patients had higher plasma glucose levels and higher percentage of diabetes ketoacidosis (P < 0.001). FT1DM patients had higher plasma glucose levels and higher percentage of diabetes ketoacidosis (.

CONCLUSION

Patients with FT1DM had more severe metabolic derangement and deficiency of insulin secretion than patients with TT1DM at the onset, but glycaemic and metabolic control was not worse than that in TT1DM.

Co-existing of Neuromyelitis Optica and Fulminant Type 1 Diabetes

The patient was a 71-year-old woman with aquaporin-4-antibody positive neuromyelitis optica (NMO), with no history of diabetes. On admission, although she showed an extremely elevated plasma glucose level (1,080 mg/dL), her hemoglobin A1c level was low (7.1%), which indicated the rapid progression of diabetes. She also showed ketoacidosis and had a human leukocyte antigen haplotype, DRB1*09:01-DQB1*03:03 associated with Fulminant type 1 diabetes (FT1D). Based on these results, the patient was diagnosed with FT1D. We herein describe the first reported case of a patient with FT1D with NMO, which raises the possibility that T-cell-mediated autoimmunity is involved in the pathogenesis of both FT1D and NMO.

Diabetic ketoacidosis caused by fulminant type 1 diabetes during adjuvant chemotherapy for colon cancer: A case report

Development of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) caused by fulminant type 1 diabetes (FT1D) during administration of uracil-tegafur (UFT) with leucovorin (LV) as adjuvant chemotherapy is extremely rare. Here, we report a case of DKA caused by FT1D during administration of UFT with LV as adjuvant chemotherapy for colon cancer. A woman in her 60s was transferred to the emergency medical center of our hospital with complaints of impaired consciousness and vomiting. She had undergone left hemicolectomy and D3 lymph node dissection for transverse colon cancer 8 months earlier. She was provided UFT with LV as adjuvant chemotherapy. Laboratory analysis revealed hyperglycemia, high anion gap metabolic acidosis and urinary ketones. She was diagnosed with DKA and was started on intravenous infusion of fluid and continuous subcutaneous insulin injections. Following admission, she was examined and diagnosed with FT1D. The present case describes an extremely rare case of DKA caused by FT1D during adjuvant chemotherapy with UFT + LV for colon cancer.

Genome-Wide Association Study Confirming a Strong Effect of HLA and Identifying Variants in CSAD/lnc-ITGB7-1 on Chromosome 12q13.13 Associated With Susceptibility to Fulminant Type 1 Diabetes

The first genome-wide association study of fulminant type 1 diabetes was performed in Japanese individuals. As previously reported using a candidate gene approach, a strong association was observed with multiple single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the HLA region, and the strongest association was observed with rs9268853 in the class II DR region (P = 1.56 × 10^-23, odds ratio [OR] 3.18). In addition, rs11170445 in CSAD/lnc-ITGB7-1 on chromosome 12q13.13 showed an association at a genome-wide significance level (P = 7.58 × 10^-9, OR 1.96). Fine mapping of the region revealed that rs3782151 in CSAD/lnc-ITGB7-1 showed the lowest P value (P = 4.60 × 10^-9, OR 1.97 [95% CI 1.57-2.48]). The risk allele of rs3782151 is a cis expression quantitative trait locus for ITGB7 that significantly increases the expression of this gene. CSAD/lnc-ITGB7-1 was found to be strongly associated with susceptibility to fulminant, but not classical, autoimmune type 1 diabetes, implicating this locus in the distinct phenotype of fulminant type 1 diabetes.

Fulminant Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus Presenting 15 Days after Delivery Diagnosed in Cooperation with Obstetricians

The patient was a 32-year-old Japanese woman who was given a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test at the 35th week of pregnancy and was normoglycemic. She had excessive thirst and polyuria from 15 days after delivery. When she visited for the 1-month postpartum checkup, her plasma glucose level was 479 mg/dL, HbA1c was 7.4%, and urinary C-peptide was 1.1 μg/mL; she was therefore diagnosed with fulminant type 1 diabetes mellitus associated with pregnancy. All physicians should be aware of this disease so as to provide a prompt diagnosis and emergency treatment and consequently improve the maternal prognosis.

Fulminant type 1 diabetes mellitus in Japanese children and adolescents: multi-institutional joint research of the Japanese Study Group of Insulin Therapy for Childhood and Adolescent Diabetes

Fulminant type 1 diabetes mellitus (FT1DM) is a subtype of type 1 diabetes mellitus characterized by a remarkably abrupt onset. In Japan, FT1DM accounts for approximately 20% of acute-onset adult type 1 diabetes mellitus cases; however, reports of pediatric-onset FT1DM are rare. We aimed to determine the frequency and clinical characteristics of FT1DM in Japanese children and adolescents by conducting a 2-phase questionnaire survey among the members of the Japanese Study Group of Insulin Therapy for Childhood and Adolescent Diabetes (JSGIT) regarding their clinical experience with FT1DM. Responses were obtained from 54 of the 79 participating hospitals (68.4%). Of these, 8 hospitals managed a total of 15 pediatric patients with FT1DM (4 patients in each of 2 hospitals, 2 patients in 1 hospital, and 1 patient in each of 5 hospitals). The distribution of patient age was biphasic, with peaks in children younger than 5 years and older than 8 years of age. The clinical characteristics of FT1DM in this population (such as the duration from onset of symptoms to diagnosis, severity of symptoms, preceding flu-like episodes, and abnormal laboratory data) did not differ from those of patients with adult-onset FT1DM. The frequency of pediatric-onset FT1DM is low compared with that of adult-onset FT1DM. The genetic background and susceptibility patterns of pediatric patients with FT1DM may differ from those typical of adults with FT1DM, but both age groups share similar clinical characteristics.

Association of HLA-DRB1 and -DQB1 alleles with type 1 (autoimmune) diabetes in African Arabs: systematic review and meta-analysis

Several studies confirmed the association of HLA-DRB1 and -DQB1 alleles with altered risk of type 1 diabetes (T1D). However, data from individual studies based on small sample sizes yielded often conflicting findings in African Arabs. This is a systematic review and meta-analysis aimed at comprehensively evaluating this association with T1D, using molecular HLA data. Relevant studies were identified through systemic search of Medline/PubMed, Cochrane, Science Direct, ResearchGate, and EMBASE databases. Statistical analysis was carried out using RevMan, and Comprehensive Meta-analysis programs. Given the heterogeneity of African Arabs, we also performed subgroup analysis according to ethnicity. Analysis of sensitivity, heterogeneity, and publication bias were performed to validate the outcome of the findings. This meta-analysis included 862 T1DM cases, along with 1,390 normoglycemic control, and comprised ten comparisons. Our study indicates that DRB1*03 (OR = 2.86), DRB1*04 (OR = 2.78), and DQB1*02 (OR = 2.29), are positively associated with increased risk of T1DM, while DRB1*07 (OR = 0.48), DRB1*11 (OR = 0.20), DRB1*13 (OR = 0.47), DRB1*15 (OR = 0.30), DQB1*05 (OR = 0.39), and DQB1*06 (OR = 0.27) were negatively associated with T1D, suggesting a protective role against T1D. This meta-analysis was characterized by low heterogeneity, sensitivity, and publication bias, indicating the robustness and reliability of the results.

BACKGROUND

Several studies confirmed the association of HLA-DRB1 and -DQB1 alleles with altered risk of type 1 diabetes (T1D). However, data from individual studies based on small sample sizes yielded often conflicting findings in African Arabs. This is a systematic review and meta-analysis aimed at comprehensively evaluating this association with T1D, using molecular HLA data.

METHODS

Relevant studies were identified through systemic search of Medline/PubMed, Cochrane, Science Direct, ResearchGate, and EMBASE databases. Statistical analysis was carried out using Revman, and Comprehensive Meta-analysis programs. Given the heterogeneity of African Arabs, we also performed subgroup analysis according to ethnicity. Analysis of sensitivity, heterogeneity, and pub¬lication bias were performed to validate the outcome of the findings. This meta-analysis included 862 T1DM cases, along with 1,390 normoglycemic control, and comprised ten comparisons.

RESULTS

Our study indicates that DRB1*03 (OR = 2.86), DRB1*04 (OR = 2.78), and DQB1*02 (OR = 2.29), are positively associated with increased risk of T1DM, while DRB1*07 (OR = 0.48), DRB1*11 (OR = 0.20), DRB1*13 (OR = 0.47), DRB1*15 (OR = 0.30), DQB1*05 (OR = 0.39), and DQB1*06 (OR = 0.27) were negatively associated with T1D, suggesting a protective role against T1D.

CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis was characterized by low heterogeneity, sensitivity, and publication bias, indicating the robustness and reliability of the results.

Recent findings on fulminant type 1 diabetes

Fulminant type 1 diabetes (fT1D) is a new subtype of type 1 diabetes proposed by Imagawa in 2000. It is a clinical syndrome characterized by a markedly rapid and almost complete destruction of pancreatic β cells. Metabolic derangement is more severe in this subtype than in autoimmune type 1 diabetes. The incidence of fT1D is associated with HLA DRB1*04:05DQB1*04:01; both innate and acquired immune disorders might contribute to the development of fT1D. The presence of specific innate immune responses to enterovirus infection connected with enhanced adaptive immune pathways responsible for aggressive β cell toxicity in fT1D. The process of β cell destruction is extremely rapid in fT1D, and the insulin secretary capacity rarely recovers after the onset. The serum glycated albumin to glycated haemoglobin ratio is significantly higher in fT1D; a cut-off value of 3.2 for serum glycated albumin to glycated haemoglobin ratio yielded 97% sensitivity and 98% specificity for differentiating fT1D from type 2 diabetes. Fulminant type 1 diabetes is associated with pregnancy. This article also updates the diagnostic criteria for fT1D by the Japanese Diabetes Association in 2012.

A Case of Fulminant Type 1 Diabetes in a Patient with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Fulminant type 1 diabetes mellitus is a recently identified subtype of type 1 diabetes characterized by abrupt disease onset, a very short (<1 week) duration of diabetic symptoms, acidosis at diagnosis, negative status of islet-related autoantibodies, and virtually no C-peptide secretion. Cases of fulminant type 1 diabetes are prominently observed in East Asia, with several case reports and studies having originated from Japan. Indeed, a recent study from Japan reported that fulminant type 1 diabetes accounts for 15-20% of type 1 diabetes cases associated with onset of ketosis or ketoacidosis. Since 2005, several fulminant type 1 diabetes cases have also been reported in South Korea; however, there have been no reports of cases in patients previously diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Here, we report a rare case of fulminant type 1 diabetes in a patient previously diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.

High risk of renal dysfunction in patients with fulminant type 1 diabetes

AIMS/INTRODUCTION

To compare the incidence rate of renal dysfunction between patients with fulminant type 1 diabetes and those with acute-onset type 1 diabetes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The present retrospective cohort study included patients with fulminant type 1 diabetes and acute-onset type 1 diabetes diagnosed during April 1993 to March 2016 at a national center in Japan. Glycated hemoglobin levels, incidence rates of renal dysfunction defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate of <60 mL/min/1.73 m² and microalbuminuria were examined.

RESULTS

In total, 115 patients with type 1 diabetes (10 with fulminant type 1 diabetes and 105 with acute-onset type 1 diabetes) were included. The median glycated hemoglobin levels were significantly lower in patients with fulminant type 1 diabetes than in those with acute-onset type 1 diabetes 0, 3, 6 and 9 years after diabetes onset (6.5 vs 12.7%, 6.5 vs 7.9%, 6.7 vs 8.2%, 7.5 vs 8.5%, respectively). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed a significantly higher incidence rate of renal dysfunction in patients with fulminant type 1 diabetes than in those with acute-onset type 1 diabetes (hazard ratio 1.72, 95% confidence interval 1.01-2.97, P = 0.037). The incidence rate of microalbuminuria did not significantly differ between the groups (hazard ratio 0.97, 95% confidence interval 0.34-2.77, P = 0.95). Sensitivity analysis using age- and sex-matched patients with fulminant type 1 diabetes and acute-onset type 1 diabetes yielded similar results.

CONCLUSIONS

The risk of developing renal dysfunction is higher in patients with fulminant type 1 diabetes than in those with acute-onset type 1 diabetes, despite better glycemic control.

The development of fulminant type 1 diabetes during chemotherapy for rectal cancer

A 34-year-old man with a history of rectal cancer was receiving oral chemotherapy [tegafur-uracil (UFT) with leucovorin]. He visited our hospital due to nausea and abdominal pain, and his laboratory data revealed the presence of urinary ketones, hyperglycemia and high anion gap metabolic acidosis, and HbA1c level of 6.8%. Accordingly, we diagnosed fulminant type 1 diabetes. The development of fulminant type 1 diabetes during chemotherapy for malignancy is a rare, but potentially fatal condition. Therefore, clinicians should consider diabetic ketoacidosis in the differential diagnosis when examining chemotherapy patients who present with gastrointestinal symptoms.

Class II HLA genotype in fulminant type 1 diabetes: A nationwide survey with reference to glutamic acid decarboxylase antibodies

Aims/Introduction:  Fulminant type 1 diabetes is a subtype of type 1 diabetes characterized by a remarkably abrupt onset of insulin‐deficient hyperglycemia within a few days. The aim of the present study was to clarify characteristic class II HLA genotypes in a large number of patients with fulminant type 1 diabetes to date.

Materials and Methods:  We analyzed the HLA‐DRB1 and DQB1 genotypes, and their haplotypes in 207 patients with fulminant type 1 diabetes and 325 control subjects in the Japanese population.

Results:  The frequencies of the DRB1*04:05‐DQB1*04:01 and DRB1*09:01‐DQB1*03:03 haplotypes were significantly higher, and those of the DRB1*01:01‐DQB1*05:01, DRB1*15:02‐DQB1*06:01 and DRB1*08:03‐DQB1*06:01 haplotypes were significantly lower in patients with fulminant type 1 diabetes than in the control subjects. Combination analysis showed that the frequencies of homozygotes with DRB1*04:05‐DQB1*04:01 [odds ratio (OR) 7.0] and DRB1*09:01‐DQB1*03:03 (OR 9.5) were significantly higher in patients with fulminant type 1 diabetes. Within a limited portion of patients with fulminant type 1 diabetes with antibodies to glutamic acid decarboxylase (GADab; n = 25), the frequency of DRB1*09:01‐DQB1*03:03, but not DRB1*04:05‐DQB1*04:01, was significantly higher than in control subjects (44.0% vs 13.7%; Pc < 0.05, OR 5.0).

[Correction to last line of Results, added after online publication 29 July 2011: “OR 5.1” is changed to “OR 5.0”.]

Conclusions:  Our large‐scale study showed the characteristic class II HLA genotypes in fulminant type 1 diabetes, and implicated that genetic contribution to disease susceptibility is distinct between GADab‐positive and GADab‐negative fulminant type 1 diabetes. (J Diabetes Invest, doi: 10.1111/j.2040‐1124.2011.00139.x, 2012)

Autoimmunity: from black water fever to regulatory function

Autoimmunity is a field that has only been around for a little over a century. Initially, it was thought that autoimmunity could not happen, that the body would never turn on itself (i.e. "horror autotoxicus"). It was only around the First World War that autoimmunity was recognized as the pathogenesis of various diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis. The discovery of Compound E led to successful treatment of patients with autoimmune diseases, but it was not till later that the adverse effects of this class of drugs were elucidated. The "modern" age of autoimmunity began around 1945 with the description of blackwater fever, and most of the subsequent research on hemolytic anemia and the role of an autoantibody in its pathogenesis led to a description of the anti-globulin reaction. The lupus erythematous (LE) cell was recognized in the mid-1940s by Hargreaves. His research carried on into the 1960s. Rheumatoid factor was also first described in the 1940s as yet another serum factor with activity against globulin-coated sheep red blood cells. The concept of autoimmunity really gained a foothold in the 1950s, when autoimmune thyroid disease and idiopathic thrombocytopenia were first described. Much has happened since then, and our understanding of autoimmunity has evolved now to include mechanisms of apoptosis, signaling pathway derangements, and the discovery of subsets of T cells with regulatory activity. The modern day study of autoimmunity is a fascinating area of research, and full understanding of the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases is far from being completely elucidated.

Low gene expression levels of activating receptors of natural killer cells (NKG2E and CD94) in patients with fulminant type 1 diabetes

Fulminant type 1 diabetes is an independent subtype of type 1 diabetes characterized by extremely rapid onset and absence of islet-related autoantibodies. However, detailed pathophysiology of this subtype is poorly understood. In this study, a comprehensive approach was applied to understand the pathogenesis of fulminant type 1 diabetes. We determined the genes that were differentially expressed in fulminant type 1 diabetes compared with type 1A diabetes and healthy control, using gene expression microarray in peripheral blood cells. Using volcano plot analysis, we found reduced expression of killer cell lectin-like receptor subfamily C, member 3 (KLRC3) which encodes NKG2E, a natural killer (NK) cell activating receptor, in fulminant type 1 diabetes, compared with healthy controls. This difference was confirmed by real-time RT-PCR among NK-enriched cells. The expression of KLRD1 (CD94), which forms heterodimer with NKG2E (KLRC3), was also reduced in NK-enriched cells in fulminant type 1 diabetes. Furthermore, flow cytometry showed significantly lower proportion of NK cells among peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in fulminant type 1 diabetes than in healthy controls. In patients with fulminant type 1 diabetes, the relative proportion of NK cells correlated significantly with the time period between onset of fever to the appearance of hyperglycemic-related symptoms. We conclude the presence of reduced NK activating receptor gene expression and low proportion of NK cells in fulminant type 1 diabetes.

GPR119 expression in normal human tissues and islet cell tumors: evidence for its islet-gastrointestinal distribution, expression in pancreatic beta and alpha cells, and involvement in islet function

OBJECTIVE

GPR119 is reportedly involved in regulating glucose metabolism and food intake in rodents, but little is known about its expression and functional significance in humans. To begin to assess the potential clinical importance of GPR119, the distribution of GPR119 gene expression in humans was examined.

MATERIALS/METHODS

Expression of GPR119 mRNA in fresh samples of normal human pancreas (n=19) and pancreatic islets (n=3) and in insulinomas (n=2) and glucagonomas (n=2), all collected at surgery, was compared with the mRNA expression of various receptors highly expressed and operative in human pancreatic islets.

RESULTS

GPR119 mRNA was most abundant in the pancreas, followed by the duodenum, stomach, jejunum, ileum and colon. Pancreatic levels of GPR119 mRNA were similar to those of GPR40 mRNA and were higher than those of GLP1R and SUR1 mRNA, which are strongly expressed in human pancreatic islets. Moreover, levels of GPR119 mRNA in pancreatic islets were more than 10 times higher than in adjacent pancreatic tissue, as were levels of GPR40 mRNA. GPR119 mRNA was also abundant in two cases of insulinoma and two cases of glucagonoma, but was undetectable in a pancreatic acinar cell tumor. Similar results were obtained with mouse pancreatic islets, MIN6 insulinoma cells and alpha-TC glucagonoma cells.

CONCLUSIONS

The results provide evidence of an islet-gastrointestinal distribution of GPR119, its expression in pancreatic beta and alpha cells, and its possible involvement in islet function. They also provide the basis for a better understanding of the potential clinical importance of GPR119.

Report of the Committee of the Japan Diabetes Society on the Research of Fulminant and Acute-onset Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: New diagnostic criteria of fulminant type 1 diabetes mellitus (2012)

We have revised a part of the diagnostic criteria for fulminant type 1 diabetes. The new criteria were set both to express the essence of this disease of rapid increase of patients' blood glucose and to be highly sensitive to reduce the misdiagnosis. After analyzing the data of 382 patients with newly-diagnosed fulminant type 1 diabetes, we adopted the glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level of 8.7% (National Glycohemoglobin Standardization Program [NGSP] value). The new criterion indicates 100% of sensitivity and the best value by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. In addition, we added a comment that 'This value (HbA1c <8.7% in NGSP) is not applicable for patients with previously diagnosed glucose intolerance' in the new criteria and also a comment that 'Association with human leukocyte antigen DRB1*04:05-DQB1*04:01 is reported' as a related finding. We did not revise the screening criteria and the other part of the diagnostic criteria, because they are still reliable.

Fulminant type 1 diabetes mellitus

We present a fatal case of fulminant type 1 diabetes mellitus that was initially diagnosed as upper respiratory tract infection based on pharyngeal redness at a clinic. However, the patient then went into cardiopulmonary arrest, and was transferred to our hospital for treatment. Testing revealed very high levels of blood glucose (86.9 mmol/l), urinary glucose (2+) and ketones (4+). His glycosylated haemoglobin level was almost normal (6.2%; normal <6.2%). Autopsy revealed marked depletion and atrophy of the islets of Langerhans.

Fulminant type 1 diabetes mellitus: a study of nine cases

OBJECTIVE

The study aims to explore the prevalence and clinical features of fulminant type 1 diabetes mellitus (F1DM).

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

We analyzed 11,202 patients who were diagnosed having diabetes and admitted to the Department of Endocrinology, Nanjin First Hospital, Nanjin, China, from September 2005 to April 2011. Among 198 patients classified having type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), nine patients were diagnosed having F1DM. Clinical features of F1DM were analyzed and compared with typical T1DM.

RESULTS

The prevalence of F1DM was 4.5% (nine of 198 T1DM patients) in this study. F1DM patients had significantly high levels of random blood glucose (40±9 mmol/L). However, glycated hemoglobin (7.1±1.0%) and C-reactive peptide (0.21±0.15 μg/L) at 2 h postprandial were significantly lower in F1DM patients compared with typical T1DM patients. Six of them had flu-like symptoms. Five of them showed gastrointestinal symptoms. Three patients experienced disturbance of consciousness. However, none of these symptoms was found in patients with typical T1DM. A continuous intravenous insulin infusion therapy using a portable pump was given during the acute phase to control hyperglycemia and ketoacidosis. All F1DM patients survived after treatment.

CONCLUSION

In this single hospital-based study, nine Chinese patients met the criteria for diagnosis of F1DM. Although F1DM may be fatal, prompt treatment is required and useful to rescue these patients.

Fulminant type 1 diabetes mellitus-like presentation in a Hispanic woman in the United States

AIM

To report the first case of fulminant-like type 1 diabetes mellitus in a Hispanic woman from the United States.

METHOD

The clinical presentation and laboratory data is presented of a Hispanic woman that was diagnosed with fulminant type 1 diabetes mellitus with a review of the literature.

RESULTS

An 18-year-old female presented with 1 week of polydyspea and polyuria. The patient was seen by her primary care doctor and found to have an elevated blood glucose. On presentation to the hospital, she was found to be in diabetic ketoacidosis. The laboratory analysis showed a C-peptide of 0.6 ng/mL and a glycohaemoglobin A(1c) of 6%. The patient had antibodies positive for glutamic acid decarboxylase. The patient was diagnosed with fulminant type 1 diabetes mellitus and was discharged in stable condition on basal/bolus subcutaneous insulin.

CONCLUSION

Fulminant type 1 diabetes mellitus is a recently described presentation of diabetes mellitus that has been predominately reported in Japan and other Asian countries. The classical presentation includes rapid onset on ketosis within 1 week of symptoms of hyperglycaemia, with a near-normal glycohaemoglobin and absence of C-peptide. With the majority of case being reported from Asia, it has been hypothesized that there is a genetic determent that predisposes Asian individuals to develop fulminant type 1 diabetes mellitus. The addition of the case to the medical literature expands the focus of fulminant type 1 diabetes mellitus beyond the Asian population and supports the need that further research.

Etiopathogenesis of insulin autoimmunity

Autoimmunity against pancreatic islet beta cells is strongly associated with proinsulin, insulin, or both. The insulin autoreactivity is particularly pronounced in children with young age at onset of type 1 diabetes. Possible mechanisms for (pro)insulin autoimmunity may involve beta-cell destruction resulting in proinsulin peptide presentation on HLA-DR-DQ Class II molecules in pancreatic draining lymphnodes. Recent data on proinsulin peptide binding to type 1 diabetes-associated HLA-DQ2 and -DQ8 is reviewed and illustrated by molecular modeling. The importance of the cellular immune reaction involving cytotoxic CD8-positive T cells to kill beta cells through Class I MHC is discussed along with speculations of the possible role of B lymphocytes in presenting the proinsulin autoantigen over and over again through insulin-carrying insulin autoantibodies. In contrast to autoantibodies against other islet autoantigens such as GAD65, IA-2, and ZnT8 transporters, it has not been possible yet to standardize the insulin autoantibody test. As islet autoantibodies predict type 1 diabetes, it is imperative to clarify the mechanisms of insulin autoimmunity.

The first Vietnamese patient with fulminant type 1 diabetes mellitus

A 23-year-old pregnant woman had a stillbirth at 30 weeks gestation due to abrupt diabetic ketoacidosis. The patient had a normal HbA1c, severe hyperglycemia, negative islet cell autoantibodies, and very low insulin secretion capacity. The viral markers associated with fulminant type 1 diabetes were negative. The patient's human leukocyte antigen genotypes were DRB1*04:06 and DQB1*03:01/05:02, not common subtypes for fulminant type 1 diabetes. This is the first Vietnamese patient with fulminant type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Fulminant type 1 diabetes in Australia in the absence of humoral and cellular immune responses to pancreatic islet autoantigens

We document the first reported case of fulminant diabetes, without evidence of pancreatic islet autoimmunity, in Australia in a woman of Chinese Vietnamese background. Fulminant diabetes occurs primarily in Asia, particularly in Japan, but with widespread population migration clinicians need to be aware of this form of diabetes.

Fulminant type 1 diabetes--an important subtype in East Asia

Fulminant type 1 diabetes is defined as a subtype of type 1 diabetes with a remarkably acute onset. A nationwide survey identified that this variant accounts for approximately 20% of acute-onset type 1 diabetic patients in Japan. Recent studies indicate that this is not a minor subtype in other East Asian countries. As genetic factors, we revealed association of HLA-DR-DQ, HLA-B and CTLA-4 to fulminant type 1 diabetes. As an environmental factor, viral infection would contribute to the development of this subtype. Cellular infiltration to islets was detected soon after the onset but not observed 1 month after the onset. Macrophages and T cells were the main components of the infiltrates. Enterovirus RNA and Toll-like receptor-3 expression, a signature of viral infection, was also observed. These findings suggest that viral infection in the susceptible individual might trigger anti-viral immune response and that pancreatic beta cells are rapidly destroyed through the accelerated immune reaction.

Low CTLA-4 expression in CD4+ helper T-cells in patients with fulminant type 1 diabetes

Fulminant type 1 diabetes is a novel subtype of type 1 diabetes characterized by a remarkably abrupt onset of insulin-deficient hyperglycemia. An accelerated immune reaction has been suggested as the cause of markedly rapid beta cell loss in this disease, but the precise mechanism has not been clarified. We analyzed the expression of cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4) in CD4(+) helper T-cells in 16 patients with fulminant type 1 diabetes, 14 patients with type 1A diabetes, 10 patients with type 2 diabetes and 20 normal control subjects. There was a significant reduction in CTLA-4 expression in CD4(+) helper T-cells from patients with fulminant type 1 diabetes (P<0.05) compared with the other three groups. Low CTLA-4 expression was also observed in both CD4(+)CD25(high) T-cells and CD4(+)CD25(-) T-cells. There was a significant negative correlation between the proliferation of CD4(+)CD25(-) T-cells and the levels of CTLA-4. Intracellular expression of CTLA-4 in CD4(+) helper T-cells was not correlated with two CTLA-4 polymorphisms. In conclusion, the expression of CTLA-4 in CD4(+) helper T-cells was low in patients with fulminant type 1 diabetes.

Fulminant type 1 diabetes in China: a case report and review of the literature

Fulminant type 1 diabetes is a recently discovered subtype of idiopathic type 1 diabetes, defined as diabetes with an extremely rapid process of β-cell destruction and progression to hyperglycemia and ketoacidosis. In this report, we present a case of fulminant type 1 diabetes in a 45-year-old Chinese woman, along with a review of the literature. The patient presented with sudden onset of polydipsia and polyuria after flu-like symptoms. Findings on admission included a high blood glucose level and ketoacidosis, but normal HbA1c level. The C-peptide stimulation test showed severe impairment of insulin secretion. Autoantibodies to glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) were negative. These results are compatible with the diagnosis of fulminant type 1 diabetes. Human leukocyte antigen-DR7 (HLA-DR7) was available in this case. It is concluded that this rapidly progressing type of diabetes exists, and we propose that HLA-DR7 might be predisposed to fulminant type 1 diabetes in Chinese patients.

Fulminant type 1 diabetes mellitus exhibits distinct clinical and autoimmunity features from classical type 1 diabetes mellitus in Chinese

BACKGROUND

fulminant type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is characterized by abrupt onset of hyperglycemia and rapid progression to ketoacidosis. This study aimed at examining the clinical and autoimmunity features of fulminant T1DM in Chinese.

METHODS

a total of 24 patients with fulminant T1DM and 48 classical autoimmune T1DM patients with acute onset of ketoacidosis were recruited. Anthropometric and biochemical parameters were tested. Serum antibodies against glutamic acid decarboxylase 65, tyrosine phosphatase-2 and zinc transporter 8 were measured, and human leukocyte antigen-DQ haplotypes were determined. Peripheral glutamic acid decarboxylase 65-specific T-cell responses in some subjects were determined.

RESULTS

compared with autoimmune T1DM patients, patients with fulminant T1DM displayed more flu-like and gastrointestinal symptoms, and had significantly higher concentrations of plasma glucose, more severe ketoacidosis, very low levels of pancreatic β-cell reserve, but only slightly increased haemoglobin A(1c) levels. In some patients, the disease onset was associated with drug-related hypersensitivity, pregnancy, or positive serum IgM against viruses. Forty percent (8/20) had low titres of autoantibodies against at least one of the islet autoantigens tested. Three out of six patients had positive glutamic acid decarboxylase-reactive Th1 responses. The frequency of human leukocyte antigen -DQA1*0102-DQB1*0601 haplotype was significantly higher in patients with fulminant T1DM.

CONCLUSIONS

fulminant T1DM is a distinct entity with unique clinical characteristics and may be mediated by multiple factors, including viral infection, pregnancy, and drug sensitivity syndrome, among others, in the presence of humoral and/or cellular autoimmunity and susceptible genetic background.

Fulminant type 1 diabetes mellitus in Korean adolescents

Fulminant type 1 diabetes has recently been identified as a new subtype of idiopathic diabetes that is mostly found in Japanese adults. The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency as well as the clinical and laboratory characteristics of fulminant type 1 diabetes among Korean children with childhood-onset type 1 diabetes. One-hundred and fifty patients that had been newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes over the past 10 years were included. These patients came from three hospitals. Out of the 150 patients, two female patients fulfilled the criteria for fulminant type 1 diabetes. They were negative for islet autoantibodies. The patients with fulminant type 1 diabetes had an older age of onset and a lower HbA1c than the patients with autoimmune or idiopathic type 1 diabetes. In addition, the patients with fulminant type 1 diabetes had increased serum aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and amylase levels, and decreased fasting serum C-peptide levels. The frequency of fulminant type 1 diabetes was 1.33% among all patients newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes under the age of 16. Although this type of diabetes is more commonly an adult-onset disease, it is possible that fulminant type 1 diabetes has not yet been fully recognized in children and adolescence, and may be more common than initially thought.

[Two cases of fulminant type 1 diabetes mellitus]

We report 2 elderly patients with fulminant type 1 diabetes mellitus. Case 1: A 61-year-old-man was admitted because of hyperglycemia (blood glucose level, 1,071 mg/dl) and metabolic acidosis. His hemoglobin A1c level was almost normal (5.8%), glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) antibody was not detected, and a low level of C-peptide (CPR) was excreted in his urine. We diagnosed his condition as diabetic ketoacidosis, and administered intensive insulin therapy. Case 2: A 77-year-old-man was admitted because of hyperglycemia (blood glucose level, 925 mg/dl). His hemoglobin A1c level was slightly high (5.9%), GAD antibody was not detected, and low levels of CPR were excreted in his urine. He showed no signs of metabolic acidosis, but showed metabolic ketosis. The findings of these cases were consistent with those of fulminant type 1 diabetes mellitus. Thus, it is necessary to consider the possibility of this disease in elderly people.

Differences in the humoral autoreactivity to zinc transporter 8 between childhood- and adult-onset type 1 diabetes in Japanese patients

The aim of this study was to evaluate the humoral autoreactivity to zinc transporter 8 (ZnT8) depending on the clinical phenotype of type 1 diabetes (T1D). ZnT8 autoantibodies (ZnT8A) were determined by radioimmunoassay using carboxy-terminal ZnT8 constructs in 57 childhood-onset, 97 adult-onset, and 85 fulminant T1D. The ZnT8A frequency was higher in childhood-onset patients and decreased with increasing age of onset from 70% to 24% (P(trend)<0.005). None of the patients with fulminant T1D was positive for ZnT8A. There were at least two distinct ZnT8A epitope patterns associated with the aa325-restriction, childhood-onset patients have aa325-nonrestricted response more frequently compared to the adult-onset group (P<0.05). The level of ZnT8A was inversely associated with the copy number of HLA-DR4 allele (P<0.05). These results suggest differences in the humoral autoreactivity to ZnT8 depending on the clinical phenotype, which should provide strategy for autoantibody measurement in subjects to allow early diagnosis of autoimmune T1D.

Fulminant type 1 diabetes mellitus leading to fetal loss in a pregnant Chinese woman

We describe a case of diabetic ketoacidosis that lead to fetal loss during week 33 of gestation in a woman who had normal glucose tolerance 11 days previously. We believe this represents a case of fulminant type 1 diabetes.

A case of fulminant type 1 diabetes mellitus associated with pregnancy

Fulminant type 1 diabetes associated with pregnancy is very rare. However if it occurs, the rapid onset is associated with an extremely high risk of fetal death. Therefore, it is important for physicians to make an appropriate diagnosis as early as possible and to begin immediate treatment of both the mother and the fetus. We report a case of fulminant type 1 diabetes associated with pregnancy in which a good outcome was achieved for both the mother and the fetus.