MON-LB119 Euglycemic Diabetic Ketoacidosis in a Patient on Canagliflozin Presenting With Hypoglycemia

Background: Sodium glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors are newer class of antihyperglycemics that cause reversible inhibition of the sodium-glucose cotransporters in the renal proximal tubules resulting in increased urinary glucose. Common side effects include yeast and urinary tract infections. The US Food and Drug Administration issued a safety warning pertaining to the development of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) with the use of SGLT2 inhibitors. The mechanisms by which SGLT2 inhibitors cause euglycemic DKA are unclear. SGLT2 inhibitors may lead to a decrease in either endogenous or exogenous insulin and an increase in glucagon production.(1) This insulin deficiency or resistance may be mild in Type 2 diabetics, however, preventing the profound spike in blood glucose seen in traditional DKA. Here, we report a case of euglycemic DKA in a patient on Canagliflozin who presented initially with hypoglycemia. Clinical case: A 70 year old female presented with altered mental status for 1 day duration. Her past medical history is significant for type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, being managed on Canagliflozin, Glimepiride and Janumet. One week prior to admission she had lumbar spinal fusion surgery. Since then she has been feeling weak and tired with poor oral intake, but continued to use her medications. Initial laboratory findings showed blood glucose of 68 (70-100 mg/dl) without any acidosis. Her altered mental status was attributed to higher opioid doses which she received prior. Oral hypoglycemic agents have been held. On 2(nd) day of hospitalization, patient became more lethargic and complained of nausea. Laboratory testing revealed a serum glucose of 250mg/dL, serum bicarbonate of 13 (21–31mmol/L), and Anion gap of 25 (3.6–11.0mmol/L). With the suspicion of DKA, a beta-hydroxy butyrate level was obtained which was elevated at 90.10 (0 – 4.16 mg/dL). Venous blood gas analysis was significant for pH 7.23 (7.31-7.41) and pCO2 – 28 (41-51 mmHg). Urinalysis showed ketosis and glucosuria. Patient was diagnosed as euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis from Canagliflozin in presence of precipitating factors - stress and poor intake. Patient was treated with insulin drip and intravenous fluids with reduction in anion gap and correction of acidosis within 24hrs. There was a gradual improvement in her mental status. She was discharged on subcutaneous insulin, and all other diabetic medications were stopped. Conclusion: Our case highlights the importance of being vigilant in a patient on Canagliflozin, euglycemic DKA can occur even if they present initially with hypoglycemia and no acidosis. Reference: 1. Ogawa W, Sakaguchi K. Euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis induced by SGLT2 inhibitors: possible mechanism and contributing factors. J Diabetes Investig. 2016;7(2):135-138.