Addison's disease in type 1 diabetes presenting with recurrent hypoglycaemia.
Primary adrenal insufficiency (Addison's disease) often develops insidiously. Although a rare disorder, it is more common in type 1 diabetes mellitus. A 19 year old male with type 1 diabetes and autoimmune hypothyroidism experienced recurrent severe hypoglycaemia over several months, despite a reduction in insulin dose, culminating in an adrenal crisis. Recurrent severe hypoglycaemia resolved after identification and treatment of the adrenocortical insufficiency. In type 1 diabetes, undiagnosed Addison's disease can influence glycaemic control and induce severe hypoglycaemia.
McAulay
V
V
Department of Diabetes, Royal Infirmary, Lauriston Place, Edinburgh EH3 9YW.
Frier
B M
BM
D000224:Addison Disease / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis; D000328:Adult; D003922:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D007003:Hypoglycemia / Q000209:etiology*; D008297:Male; D012008:Recurrence