Euglycaemic Ketoacidosis Due to Extremely Low-Calorie Intake and Dehydration After Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy in a Patient with Type 2 Diabetes

BACKGROUND: Bariatric surgery is an effective therapy for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and obesity. Euglycaemic ketoacidosis (EKA) has been reported in patients taking sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors after bariatric surgery. Cases of T2DM complicated with EKA without SGLT2 inhibitors after bariatric surgery are rarely reported. PURPOSE: To present a case report of a T2DM patient (without SGLT2 inhibitor use) who developed EKA soon after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. METHODS: Clinical records and interviews were used. RESULTS: A 35-year-old female patient was diagnosed with T2DM and obesity. The patient underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy to lose weight and control her blood glucose levels. Her daily fluid intake was 800–1000 mL, and her daily caloric intake was less than 500 kcal during the first days after the surgery. She was prescribed degludec insulin, metformin and dulaglutide and her blood sugar was lower than 13.9 mmol/L. On postoperative Day 6, the patient complained of fatigue and vomiting. Blood gas analysis and urine analysis supported the diagnosis of ketoacidosis. Fluid resuscitation, insulin and glucose were administered to the patient immediately. On postoperative Day 8, the patient recovered without any symptoms. CONCLUSION: We report an extremely rare case of T2DM in which the patient developed EKA after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy owing to extremely low-calorie intake and dehydration. Physicians should be on alert for ketoacidosis in patients with T2DM after bariatric surgery with an euglycaemic status, even without the use of SGLT2 inhibitors or the presence of stresses, such as infection. Level V: Opinions of respected authorities, based on descriptive studies, narrative reviews, clinical experience, or reports of expert committees.