Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Ketosis-prone diabetes (KPD), an atypical form of diabetes, has emerged as a heterogeneous syndrome in multiple ethnic groups. The objectives of this study were to look into the clinical characteristics of adult Asian Indian patients with recently diagnosed, antibody negative diabetes presenting with unprovoked ketoacidosis (A-β+ KPD) and to determine the natural course of recovery of beta-cell functions on serial follow-up over one year.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Newly diagnosed adult diabetes patients (n=11) with suspected KPD (A-β+) were prospectively studied over a period of 1-year with serial evaluations of clinical, biochemical and beta-cell secretion characteristics. These were compared with a control group (n=23) of KPD (A+β-) (classical Type 1A diabetes) with similar presentation. Beta-cell secretion was assessed by fasting and stimulated C-peptide values after a standard mixed meal challenge. Glycaemic control and treatment outcomes were also documented.

RESULTS: In comparison to the A+β- KPD controls, the A-β+ KPD patients had a significantly older age, higher BMI, stronger family history of type 2 diabetes, more severe ketoacidosis and higher fasting and stimulated C-peptide level at presentation. On serial follow-up, the patients with KPD achieved complete recovery of their beta-cell function with remission from insulin-dependence within 3-4months without further recurrences of DKA.

CONCLUSIONS: This is the first reported series of A-β+ KPD from India. The phenotype of Indian A-β+ KPD patients differs from their Western counterparts in that they are relatively younger and leaner, though the male preponderance and natural history of recovery of beta-cell dysfunction bears similarity.