Clinical similarity and diagnostic difficulties in differentiation of diabetes mellitus type 1 and type 2 in adolescence - case report

The authors would like to present the difficulties in differentiation of diabetes mellitus type 1 and type 2 in adolescence on the basis of two 17 years-old patients. In both patients' cases the following symptoms: polydipsia, polyuria and weight loss with hyperglycemia and glycosuria have been observed for a few months. During laboratory studies some additional abnormalities were observed: elevated HbA1c, dyslipidemia and high level of liver enzymes. Normal level of insulin as well as C-peptide lack of ketonuria and negative parameters of autoimmunologic reaction the supported diagnosis of diabetes mellitus type 2. Due to insulin therapy and metformin a correct level of glycemia was achieved. CONCLUSION: Decompensated diabetes mellitus type 2 in adolescents may be difficult to differentiate with type 1.