April - June 2023, Volume 19, Issue 2

Goren TA, Kilimci DD, Yigit Y, Yildirim AT, Gulen H, Ersoy B

Episode of Acute Hemolysis Due to Undiagnosed Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehidrogenase Deficiency in an Adolescent with Newly Diagnosed Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: Case Report and Review of Literature

Acta Endo (Buc) 2023, 19 (2): 256-259
doi: 10.4183/aeb.2023.256

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) enzyme deficiency is common in the community. The most important clinical manifestation of G6PD deficiency is acute hemolytic anemia due to oxidative stressors. Diabetes Mellitus (DM) can precipitate hemolysis in patients with G6PD deficiency. Here, we described a 15-year-old male with newly diagnosed type 1 DM (T1DM) and unknown G6PD deficiency who suffered from hemolytic anemia during normalization of blood glucose. On admission, the patient did not have ketoacidosis. After the patient's blood sugars were regulated with insulin therapy, he presented five days later with hemolytic anemia. The cause of hemolytic anemia was G6PD deficiency. The patient had no previous episodes of hemolysis and had no relevant family history. Hypoglycemia did not occur during blood glucose regulation. The return of blood sugar to normal after a long period of hyperglycemia was thought to be the possible cause of hemolysis. In conclusion, G6PD deficiency should be considered when there is an episode of hemolysis in newly diagnosed children and adolescents with T1DM, especially in the absence of ketoacidosis and hypoglycemia.

Keywords: Type 1 Diabetes mellitus, glucose 6 phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, hemolysis, hemolytic anemia, hyperglycemia.

Correspondence: Tugba Aysun Gören MD, “Celal Bayar” University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Uncubozköy, Manisa, 45040, Turkey, E-mail: draysunzararsiz@gmail.com