Lipodystrophy: A Hidden Culprit in Uncontrolled Diabetes

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

10-2023

Publication Title

Journal of the Endocrine Society

Abstract

Introduction: Lipodystrophies are rare disorders with selective absence/accumulation of fat tissue. The “common” genetic forms include Congenital Generalized Lipodystrophy or Familial Partial Lipodystrophy (FPLD). Non-genetic factors like autoimmune disorders, chronic infections, or malnutrition can also contribute to a lipodystrophy phenotype. Clinical case: A 49-year-old female with diabetes mellitus, hypertriglyceridemia, gait disturbances, hypertension, hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasias, asthma, presents with suspected lipodystrophy. She notes truncal obesity as a child, with progression as an adult and subsequent loss of volume from her arms and legs around age 30. Family history is significant for multiple family members with diabetes mellitus. On physical exam, the patient has a BMI of 22.86 kg/m2. She walks with a cane and has abdominal fat deposition, a dorsocervical fat pad, and reduced fat and muscle mass in her lower extremities. Her diabetes is poorly controlled with multiple complications including retinopathy, microalbuminuria, neuropathy, CVA, and CAD. Her medications include metformin, pioglitazone, detemir, aspart, and an insulin sliding scale for diabetes management, and rosuvastatin, fenofibrate, and omega-3-acid ethyl esters for hyperlipidemia. Her last A1C was 12.7%, and urine analysis was positive for glucosuria and ketonuria. Her lipid panel revealed high triglycerides (800s) and low HDL levels. Other pertinent labs include elevated GDF15 at 761 pg/mL. and lactate elevation at 3.4 mml/L. Given suspicion for hypercortisolism, she underwent a dexamethasone suppression test which was negative for Cushing’s disease. She subsequently underwent exome sequencing with mitochondrial deletion testing, which led to the diagnosis of FPLD. Discussion: FPLD results in loss of fat from the extremities starting around puberty, often leading to metabolic complications. Although both sexes are affected, women usually present with more severe disease. Currently, multiple genes are associated with FPLD, most commonly LMNA and PPARG which both follow autosomal dominant inheritance. Conclusion: Presently, there is no cure for lipodystrophy syndromes. However, in patients with diabetes and resistant metabolic syndrome features, a diagnosis of lipodystrophy should be considered. Further evaluation with genetic testing is warranted and has implications for family planning and medical management.

Volume

7

Issue

Suppl 1

First Page

A66

Comments

Endocrine Society's Annual Meeting ENDO 2023, June 15-18, 2023, Chicago, IL

Last Page

A67

DOI

10.1210/jendso/bvad114.12210.1210/jendso/bvad114.122

Link to Full Text

Share

COinS