Diabetic Ketoacidosis at Onset of Pediatric Type-1 Diabetes Triggered by Covid-19: An Original Case Report

Abstract

During the course of this year, scientific research has revolved around coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), with much uncertainty surrounding its pathogenesis, complications, and mortality as well as limited pediatric evidence. The exact relationship between COVID-19 and new-onset type 1 diabetes, especially in children, remains an unresolved issue. Our case exhibited a unique presentation of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) triggering COVID-19 diagnosis at this age. A three-year-old Moroccan boy was admitted with a history of acute dyspnea accompanied by vomiting and weight loss, leading to a diagnosis of DKA. However, evident respiratory distress signs did not disappear, even though glycemic levels were normalized and acidosis resolved. The boy subsequently tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2), with specific biological and radiological findings. Our clinical case potentially augmented the global registry of COVID-19-related diabetes (CoviDiab project) cases and provides a basis for further studies that seek to elucidate the correlation between new-onset type 1 diabetes and SARS-CoV-2 in the pediatric population.