Pathogenesis of fulminant type 1 diabetes

Characterisation of islet antibody-negative type 1 diabetes mellitus in Indian children

AIMS

Islet antibody-negative type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) has not been well characterised. We determined the frequency of antibody-negative T1DM and compared it with antibody-positive T1DM in a cohort of north Indian children.

METHODS

In a multi-centre, prospective, observational study, 176 Indian children (age 1-18 years) were assessed within 2 weeks of diagnosis of T1DM. Antibodies against GAD65 (GADA), islet antigen-2 (IA-2A) and zinc transporter 8 (ZnT8A), were estimated using validated ELISA. HLA-DRB1, DQA1 and DQB1 alleles were studied by Luminex-based typing. Monogenic diabetes was determined by targeted next-generation sequencing using the Illumina platform.

RESULTS

After excluding 12 children with monogenic diabetes, GADA, IA-2A and ZnT8A were present in 124 (76%), 60 (37%) and 62 (38%) children, respectively, while 24 (15%) were negative for all antibodies. A single antibody (most frequently GADA) was present in 68 (41%) of children, while all three antibodies were found in 34 (21%). Islet antibody-negative T1DM (n = 24, 15%) did not differ from antibody-positive children in their clinical features, HbA1c or plasma C-peptide, both at onset or after 1 year follow-up (available in 62 children). The frequency of other organ-specific antibodies or high-risk HLA-DR and DQ alleles were also similar. Children with a single islet antibody did not differ from those with multiple antibodies.

CONCLUSIONS

The frequency of various islet-antibodies, in isolation and combination, differed considerably from studies among children of European descent with T1DM. Children with T1DM who were islet antibody-negative were indistinguishable from those who were antibody-positive.

Drug classes associated with the development of fulminant type 1 diabetes: a retrospective analysis using the FDA adverse event reporting system database

BACKGROUND

Fulminant type 1 diabetes mellitus (FT1DM) is a severe subtype of type 1 diabetes characterized by rapid onset, metabolic disturbances, and irreversible insulin secretion failure. Recent studies have suggested associations between FT1DM and certain medications, warranting further investigation.

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to identify drugs associated with an increased risk of FT1DM using the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database, evaluate reporting patterns, and provide actionable insights to reduce FT1DM occurrence and improve medication safety.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of FAERS data from 2013 to 2023 was conducted. Drug names were standardized using text mining tools, and safety signals were evaluated using reporting odds ratio (ROR), proportional reporting ratio (PRR), Bayesian Confidence Propagation Neural Network (BCPNN), and Multi-item Gamma Poisson Shrinker (MGPS).

RESULTS

A total of 706 FT1DM cases were identified, predominantly in older individuals and males. Nineteen drugs were implicated, including immune checkpoint inhibitors (nivolumab, ipilimumab, pembrolizumab, avelumab, durvalumab, atezolizumab), lenvatinib, eribulin, psychiatric drugs (atomoxetine, carbamazepine, lamotrigine), anti-infectives (sulfamethoxazole, trimethoprim, amoxicillin), and metabolic modulators (dapagliflozin, sitagliptin, hydrochlorothiazide, allopurinol).

CONCLUSION

This study highlights drugs potentially triggering FT1DM and emphasizes the need for pharmacovigilance and glucose monitoring in patients treated with these medications.

Diabetic ketoacidosis in an adult with beta-ketothiolase deficiency (BKD) involving a novel ACAT1 variant : first report of established diabetes in BKD and a review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Diabetes presenting in young adults is often challenging to classify. Diabetic ketoacidosis is typically seen in autoimmune type 1 diabetes mellitus and more rarely in young onset type 2 diabetes mellitus. Beta-ketothiolase deficiency (BKD) is a rare autosomal recessive condition affecting isoleucine catabolism and ketone body metabolism. BKD typically manifests in childhood as recurrent episodes of ketoacidosis, the frequency of which tends to reduce with age. There is a paucity of data with respect to the co-existence of persistent dysglycemia with BKD.

CASE PRESENTATION AND LITERATURE REVIEW

We present a novel case of diabetes presenting as diabetic ketoacidosis in a 34-year-old man with BKD, with genetically confirmed compound heterozygosity for variants in ACAT1, including a novel ACAT1 c.481T>C, p.(Tyr161His) variant. Diabetes in people with BKD presents unique diagnostic and management challenges. To further contextualize our findings, we conducted a comprehensive narrative review of the existing literature with respect to dysglycemia in those with BKD, especially in adulthood. There are no existing reports describing diabetes in adults with BKD. Stress hyperglycemia is not uncommon when children with BKD are acutely unwell, with several pediatric case reports describing short-lived hyperglycemia but normal HbA1c measurements during metabolic crises (indicating the absence of persistent hyperglycemia).

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first report of diabetic ketoacidosis in an adult with BKD, with an elevated HbA1c consistent with persistent hyperglycemia. This case highlights the importance of checking HbA1c in people with BKD and hyperglycemia in order to uncover potential coexisting diabetes, facilitating timely management and preventing complications. Increased reporting on the longitudinal outcomes of those with rare metabolic disorders is essential for identifying potential associations with conditions like diabetes.

Fulminant type 1 diabetes linked with fetal death in utero

Fulminant type 1 diabetes is a relatively new subtype of type 1 diabetes characterised by a sudden onset of severe diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in patients with no history of diabetes and can cause imminent death if untreated. We discuss a rare case of a Pacific Islander woman who was 36 weeks pregnant and presented to the emergency department with DKA and fetal death in utero having had a normal glucose tolerance test 4 weeks earlier. She was diagnosed with fulminant type 1 diabetes and was treated with an intravenous insulin-dextrose infusion. She delivered a stillborn female infant and was discharged on regular subcuticular insulin. This case is helpful in understanding a rare, lethal disease that is not well reported globally and especially in Australia, as it requires prompt recognition and treatment to prevent detrimental outcomes.

[Clinical Analysis of 17 Adult Patients With Fulminant Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus]

Objective

To explore the clinical characteristics of adult patients with fulminant type 1 diabetes mellitus (FT1DM), a specific subtype of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM).

Methods

We collected the clinical data of patients who were admitted to West China Hospital, Sichuan University in 2010-2019 for FT1DM and type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) presenting with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) at the onset. In addition, all the FT1DM patients were followed up.

Results

A total of 70 patients presenting with DKA at the onset of T1DM were admitted to and received treatment at West China Hospital in 2010-2019. Among them, 17 (24.3%) had FT1DM and 53 did not. The mean ages of the FT1DM patients and the non-FT1DM patients were (33.2±12.8) years and (27.5±11.2) years, and the mean body mass indices were (22.6±2.9) kg/m 2 and (19.2±2.9) kg/m 2, respectively. A total of 14 FT1DM cases had symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection or acute gastroenteritis before the onset of the disease and 4 cases were related to pregnancy. The median time from the onset of the disease to the first diagnosis of DKA of the FT1DM group (median [P 25-P 75]: 2 [1-4] days, P<0.001) was significantly shorter than that of the non-FT1DM group (median [P 25-P 75]: 30 [17-78] days). The mean maximum blood glucose levels at the time of the first visit to the doctor of the FT1DM patients ([39.9±11.4] mmol/L, P<0.001) were significantly higher than that of the non-FT1DM patients ([28.9±9.2] mmol/L), but the HbA1c (6.6%±0.6%, P<0.001) and glycosylated serum albumin (GA) (21.4%±3.0%, P=0.001) levels of the FT1DM patients were significantly lower than those of the non-FT1DM group (HbA1c: 12.8%±2.7%; GA: 44.8%±15.0%). The median serum amylase in the FT1DM group was significantly higher than that in the non-FT1DM group (101 [54-336] IU/L vs. 54 [42-166] IU/L, P=0.045) and the median serum lipase in the FT1DM group showed a trend of being higher than that in the T1DM group (81 [57-154] IU/L vs. 46 [28-195] IU/L, P=0.051). 8.7% of the non-FT1DM patients tested positive for anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase antibody (GAD-Ab), while the FT1DM patients all tested negative. At the time of discharge, the mean daily insulin dose of the FT1DM patients was (0.67±0.22) IU/kg, which was not significantly different from that of the non-FT1DM group ([0.74±0.29] IU/kg, P=0.349). After about 6.5 years of follow-up, the mean daily insulin dose of the FT1DM patients was (0.73±0.19) IU/kg, which was similar to the insulin dosage on discharge ( P=0.409).

Conclusion

Compared with the non-FT1DM patients presenting with DKA at the onset, FT1DM patients have fewer typical diabetic symptoms, lower fasting C-peptide levels, higher serum amylase levels, and increased incidence of vomiting or other symptoms of gastrointestinal infections, and are more likely to be misdiagnosed. Therefore, it is very important for clinicians to correctly identify FT1DM as early as possible and administer early and long-term insulin replacement therapy.

A rare case of a mother with gestational diabetes complicated with fulminant type 1 diabetes mellitus post-delivery

Fulminant type 1 diabetes mellitus (FT1DM) is recognised as a novel subtype of type 1 diabetes mellitus characterised by the abrupt onset of insulin-deficient hyperglycaemia and ketoacidosis. Fulminant type 1 diabetes mellitus is known to be associated with pregnancy and had been associated with high fetal mortality. We report a case of a gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) mother complicated with FT1DM immediately post-delivery. A 29-year-old Malay lady who was diagnosed with GDM at 19 weeks of pregnancy, underwent emergency lower segment caesarean section (EMLSCS) due to fetal distress at 36 weeks of gestation; 18 h post-EMLSCS, she developed abrupt onset Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) (blood glucose 33.5 mmol/L, pH 6.99, bicarbonate 3.6 mmol/L, ketone 4.4 mmol/L and HbA1c 6.1%). She received standard DKA treatment and discharged well. Her plasma C-peptide level 3 weeks later showed that she has no insulin reserve (C-peptide <33 pmol/L, fasting blood glucose (FBS) 28 mmol/L). Her pancreatic autoantibodies were negative. This case highlights that FT1DM not only can occur in pregnancy with normal glucose tolerance but can also complicate mother with GDM.

Modeling Type 1 Diabetes Using Pluripotent Stem Cell Technology

Induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology is increasingly being used to create in vitro models of monogenic human disorders. This is possible because, by and large, the phenotypic consequences of such genetic variants are often confined to a specific and known cell type, and the genetic variants themselves can be clearly identified and controlled for using a standardized genetic background. In contrast, complex conditions such as autoimmune Type 1 diabetes (T1D) have a polygenic inheritance and are subject to diverse environmental influences. Moreover, the potential cell types thought to contribute to disease progression are many and varied. Furthermore, as HLA matching is critical for cell-cell interactions in disease pathogenesis, any model that seeks to test the involvement of particular cell types must take this restriction into account. As such, creation of an in vitro model of T1D will require a system that is cognizant of genetic background and enables the interaction of cells representing multiple lineages to be examined in the context of the relevant environmental disease triggers. In addition, as many of the lineages critical to the development of T1D cannot be easily generated from iPSCs, such models will likely require combinations of cell types derived from in vitro and in vivo sources. In this review we imagine what an ideal in vitro model of T1D might look like and discuss how the required elements could be feasibly assembled using existing technologies. We also examine recent advances towards this goal and discuss potential uses of this technology in contributing to our understanding of the mechanisms underlying this autoimmune condition.

Possible involvement of autoimmunity in fulminant type 1 diabetes

Fulminant type 1 diabetes (FT1D) is characterized by a relatively low HbA1c level at the onset, despite the abrupt occurrence of marked hyperglycemia with ketosis or ketoacidosis. The initial symptoms/findings are flu-like, absence of islet-associated autoantibodies, and a drastic decrease in β-cells and α-cells, which strongly suggest the involvement of a viral infection. In fact, we successfully demonstrated that a FT1D-like phenotype can be reproduced in encephalomyocarditis virus-induced diabetes murine model. However, there is a discussion on the possible involvement of autoimmunity rather than viral infection as the underlying cause of FT1D. For example, HLA-DRB1*04:05, a susceptible antigen of type 1A diabetes, is reportedly associated with FT1D in Japan. Moreover, anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase antibody is reportedly detected in ~ 5% of the patients. Additionally, half of the patients with anti-programmed cell death-1 therapy-related type 1 diabetes fulfilled the criteria of the disease. These findings suggest that islet-associated autoimmunity can partially contribute to the development of FT1D. Furthermore, using nonobese diabetic mice with reduced regulatory T-cell (Treg) numbers, we found that a human FT1D-like phenotype can be induced by islet-associated autoimmunity through collaboration between innate immunity (macrophages and/or natural killer cells) and acquired immunity (predominantly cytotoxic CD8⁺ T cells) in genetically predisposed individuals of autoimmune type 1 diabetes with low Tregs or Treg dysfunction. To clarify greater details regarding the association of autoimmunity in the pathogenesis of FT1D, further studies using suitable animal models and accumulation of the relevant patients are required.

Fulminant type 1 diabetes: A comprehensive review of an autoimmune condition

Fulminant type 1 diabetes (FT1D) is a subset of type 1 diabetes characterized by extremely rapid pancreatic β-cell destruction with aggressive progression of hyperglycaemia and ketoacidosis. It was initially classified as idiopathic type 1 diabetes due to the absence of autoimmune markers. However, subsequent studies provide evidences supporting the involvement of autoimmunity in rapid β-cell loss in FT1D pathogenesis, which are crucial for FT1D being an autoimmune disease. This article highlights the role of immunological aspects in FT1D according to the autoimmune-associated genetic background, viral infection, innate immunity, adaptive immunity, and pancreas histology.

Rapid onset type 1 diabetes with anti-PD-1 directed therapy

Type 1 diabetes is a rare immune-related adverse event (irAE) caused by checkpoint inhibitors with serious risk for diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Using our electronic medical record, we identified 1327 adult patients who received PD-(L)1 or CTLA-4 inhibitors from 2013 to 2018. Of the patients who received immunotherapy, 5 (0.38%) patients were found to have type 1 diabetes, all of whom presented with DKA requiring insulin at 20 to 972 days from their first anti-PD-(L)1 dose. All patients were treated with anti-PD-1 therapy (nivolumab or pembrolizumab). Four patients had new onset diabetes with mean HbA1c of 9.1% on DKA presentation and persistent elevations over time. Two patients who tested positive for glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) antibodies presented with DKA at 20 and 106 days from first anti-PD-1 administration whereas patients who were autoantibody negative had DKA more than a year later. Type 1 diabetes occurs within a wide time frame after anti-PD-1 initiation and commences with an abrupt course. Our case series suggests that monitoring glycemia in patients on PD-1 inhibitors is not predictive for diabetes occurrence. GAD autoantibodies could portend earlier onset for diabetes, although further prospective studies are needed to elucidate their diagnostic utility and contribution in therapeutic interception.

Uncommon Association Between Diabetic Ketoacidosis, Thyrotoxicosis, Cutaneous Abscess and Acute Pericarditis in an Immunocompetent Patient: A Single Case Report and Literature Review

INTRODUCTION

The typical factors precipitating diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) include infections (30%), cessation of antidiabetic medication (20%), and a new diagnosis of diabetes (25%). The etiology remains unknown in 25% of cases. Less frequent causes cited in the literature include severe thyrotoxicosis and, infrequently, pericarditis. Few publications have described the role of human T lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) in endocrine and metabolic disorders. Based on a clinical case associated with several endocrine and metabolic disorders, we suggest a potential role for HTLV-1, an endemic virus in the Amazonian area, and review the literature concerning the role of this virus in thyroiditis, pericarditis and diabetes mellitus.

CASE REPORT

A fifty-year-old Surinamese woman without any medical history was admitted for diabetic ketoacidosis. No specific anti-pancreatic autoimmunity was observed, and the C-peptide level was low, indicating atypical type-1 diabetes mellitus. DKA was associated with thyrotoxicosis in the context of thyroiditis and complicated by nonbacterial pericarditis and a Staphylococcus aureus subcutaneous abscess. The patient was infected with HTLV-1.

CONCLUSION

To our knowledge, this uncommon association is described for the first time. Few studies have analyzed the implications of HTLV-1 infection in thyroiditis and diabetes mellitus. We did not find any reports describing the association of pericarditis with HTLV-1 infection. Additional studies are necessary to understand the role of HTLV-1 in endocrine and cardiac disorders.

Clinical Characteristics of Fulminant Type 1 Diabetes Compared with Typical Type 1 Diabetes: One-Year Follow-Up Study from the Guangdong T1DM Translational Medicine Study

BACKGROUND

Fulminant type l diabetes mellitus (FT1DM) is a subtype of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) with abrupt onset, but data on its progression was limited. This study was aimed at exploring the clinical features through one-year follow-up. Methods and Materials. Patients with T1DM finishing at least one-year follow-up from June 2011 to July 2018 were enrolled from Guangdong Type 1 Diabetes Translational Medicine Study. Patients who fulfilled the respective criteria were categorized as an FT1DM group and a typical T1DM group (TT1DM). The 1 : 4 propensity score matching based on onset age, duration, and gender was performed between the FT1DM and TT1DM groups. Characteristics at the onset and after one-year follow-up were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

A total of 53 patients with FT1DM and 212 matched patients with TT1DM were included. At the onset, there was a shorter duration of symptomatic period before diagnosis observed in the FT1DM group than in the TT1DM group (2 [1, 7] vs. 30 [10, 60] days, P < 0.001). FT1DM patients had higher plasma glucose levels and higher percentage of diabetes ketoacidosis (P < 0.001). FT1DM patients had higher plasma glucose levels and higher percentage of diabetes ketoacidosis (P < 0.001). FT1DM patients had higher plasma glucose levels and higher percentage of diabetes ketoacidosis (P < 0.001). FT1DM patients had higher plasma glucose levels and higher percentage of diabetes ketoacidosis (P < 0.001). FT1DM patients had higher plasma glucose levels and higher percentage of diabetes ketoacidosis (P < 0.001). FT1DM patients had higher plasma glucose levels and higher percentage of diabetes ketoacidosis (P < 0.001). FT1DM patients had higher plasma glucose levels and higher percentage of diabetes ketoacidosis (P < 0.001). FT1DM patients had higher plasma glucose levels and higher percentage of diabetes ketoacidosis (.

CONCLUSION

Patients with FT1DM had more severe metabolic derangement and deficiency of insulin secretion than patients with TT1DM at the onset, but glycaemic and metabolic control was not worse than that in TT1DM.

Human stem cell models: lessons for pancreatic development and disease

A comprehensive understanding of mechanisms that underlie the development and function of human cells requires human cell models. For the pancreatic lineage, protocols have been developed to differentiate human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) into pancreatic endocrine and exocrine cells through intermediates resembling in vivo development. In recent years, this differentiation system has been employed to decipher mechanisms of pancreatic development, congenital defects of the pancreas, as well as genetic forms of diabetes and exocrine diseases. In this review, we summarize recent insights gained from studies of pancreatic hPSC models. We discuss how genome-scale analyses of the differentiation system have helped elucidate roles of chromatin state, transcription factors, and noncoding RNAs in pancreatic development and how the analysis of cells with disease-relevant mutations has provided insight into the molecular underpinnings of genetically determined diseases of the pancreas.

Significance of peripheral mononuclear cells producing interferon-γ in response to insulin B:9-23-related peptides in subtypes of type 1 diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is largely caused by β-cell destruction through anti-islet autoimmunity. Reportedly, interferon (IFN)-γ-secreting peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) specific to four insulin B-chain amino acid 9-23-related peptides (B:9-23rPep) were increased in type 1 diabetes participants. This study aimed to investigate the PBMC frequencies in subtypes of type 1 diabetes using enzyme-linked immunospot assay. In this cross-sectional study, peripheral blood samples were obtained from 148 participants including 72 with acute-onset type 1 diabetes (AT1D), 51 with slowly progressive insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (SPIDDM), and 25 with type 2 diabetes. The frequency of B:9-23rPep-specific IFN-γ-producing PBMCs was significantly higher in AT1D participants than in SPIDDM and type 2 diabetes participants. Meanwhile, a significant inverse correlation was observed between the PMBC frequencies and insulin secretion capacity in SPIDDM participants. These findings suggest that the increased peripheral B:9-23rPep-specific IFN-γ immunoreactivity reflects decreased functional β-cell mass and greater disease activity of type 1 diabetes.

Clinical characteristics of anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase antibody-positive fulminant type 1 diabetes

This research aimed to examine the relationship between anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase antibody (GADA) titers and clinical parameters at onset and to clarify the association between clinical severity and GADA titers in GADA-positive fulminant type 1 diabetes. This cross-sectional observational study included 20 cases with GADA-positive fulminant type 1 diabetes (4 cases from our hospital and 16 from cases reported in the literature). The association between GADA titers and clinical parameters [age, sex, body weight, body mass index, period from appearance of any prodromal symptoms to diagnosis, period from development of hyperglycemic symptoms to diagnosis, GADA titer, HbA1c level, blood pH and HCO₃^- level, serum levels of ketone bodies and pancreatic exocrine enzymes] were analyzed. Spearman's rank correlation coefficient (r_s) was used for the correlation analysis. The results showed that there was a significant inverse correlation between GADA titers and the "period from appearance of any prodromal symptoms to diagnosis" (r_s = -0.559, p < 0.05). Moreover, GADA titers were inversely correlated with blood pH and HCO₃^- level (r_s = -0.576, p < 0.05, r_s = -0.578, p < 0.05, respectively), and positively correlated with serum levels of total ketone bodies, acetoacetate, and 3-hydroxybutyrate (r_s = 0.661, p < 0.05; r_s = 0.700, p < 0.05; and r_s = 0.782, p < 0.01, respectively). These findings suggest that higher GADA titers may be linked to more severe clinical severity of GADA-positive fulminant type 1 diabetes at onset. This association may be attributed to possible pre-existence of autoimmunity-related β-cell damage before the onset of fulminant type 1 diabetes.

Analysis of pancreatic volume in acute-onset, slowly-progressive and fulminant type 1 diabetes in a Japanese population

AIMS/INTRODUCTION

A decrease in the size of the pancreas is observed in islet autoantibody-positive non-diabetic donors and acute-onset type 1 diabetes irrespective of the diabetes duration. Little is known, however, about the relationship between the size of the pancreas and type 1 diabetes subtypes, including fulminant type 1 diabetes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We examined the pancreatic volume (PV) in 44 adult patients with type 1 diabetes (16 acute-onset type 1 diabetes, 18 slowly progressive type 1 diabetes and 10 fulminant type 1 diabetes) and 39 age- and body mass index-matched non-diabetic controls. PV was measured by computed tomography. The ability to secrete insulin was assessed by stimulated C-peptide after intravenous glucagon administration.

RESULTS

PV was significantly correlated with bodyweight in both control participants and type 1 diabetes patients. The PV index (PVI; PV/bodyweight) was decreased by 39% in type 1 diabetes compared with that in controls. PVI was significantly decreased in acute-onset type 1 diabetes patients and slowly progressive type 1 diabetes patients (both P < 0.0001), but not in fulminant type 1 diabetes patients (P = 0.10), compared with control participants. In cases patients with recent-onset type 1 diabetes (0-7 days post-diagnosis), PVI was significantly decreased in acute-onset type 1 diabetes patients (n = 8, P = 0.0005), but not in fulminant type 1 diabetes patients (n = 7, P = 0.44), compared with controls. PVI showed no correlations with the diabetes duration, C-peptide levels, glycated hemoglobin, glutamic acid decarboxylase autoantibody levels, serum amylase or daily total insulin dose in type 1 diabetes subtypes.

CONCLUSIONS

The present results show that patients with acute-onset type 1 diabetes and slowly progressive type 1 diabetes have small pancreases irrespective of the diabetes duration or C-peptide levels. In contrast to earlier findings on acute-onset type 1 diabetes, we found no reduction of PVI at the onset of fulminant type 1 diabetes.

Fulminant type 1 diabetes mellitus in Japanese children and adolescents: multi-institutional joint research of the Japanese Study Group of Insulin Therapy for Childhood and Adolescent Diabetes

Fulminant type 1 diabetes mellitus (FT1DM) is a subtype of type 1 diabetes mellitus characterized by a remarkably abrupt onset. In Japan, FT1DM accounts for approximately 20% of acute-onset adult type 1 diabetes mellitus cases; however, reports of pediatric-onset FT1DM are rare. We aimed to determine the frequency and clinical characteristics of FT1DM in Japanese children and adolescents by conducting a 2-phase questionnaire survey among the members of the Japanese Study Group of Insulin Therapy for Childhood and Adolescent Diabetes (JSGIT) regarding their clinical experience with FT1DM. Responses were obtained from 54 of the 79 participating hospitals (68.4%). Of these, 8 hospitals managed a total of 15 pediatric patients with FT1DM (4 patients in each of 2 hospitals, 2 patients in 1 hospital, and 1 patient in each of 5 hospitals). The distribution of patient age was biphasic, with peaks in children younger than 5 years and older than 8 years of age. The clinical characteristics of FT1DM in this population (such as the duration from onset of symptoms to diagnosis, severity of symptoms, preceding flu-like episodes, and abnormal laboratory data) did not differ from those of patients with adult-onset FT1DM. The frequency of pediatric-onset FT1DM is low compared with that of adult-onset FT1DM. The genetic background and susceptibility patterns of pediatric patients with FT1DM may differ from those typical of adults with FT1DM, but both age groups share similar clinical characteristics.

Glycemic control indicator levels at diagnosis of neonatal diabetes mellitus: Comparison with other types of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus

BACKGROUND

Neonatal diabetes mellitus (NDM) is a monogenic insulin-dependent diabetes that develops within 6 months of age. The progression of hyperglycemia until diagnosis is unknown. Glycemic control indicators at diagnosis are useful to estimate the extent and duration of hyperglycemia. We recently established that age-adjusted glycated albumin (GA) is a useful indicator of glycemic control, regardless of age.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the levels of various glycemic control indicators at diagnosis between NDM and other types of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We included 8 patients with NDM, 8 with fulminant type 1 diabetes (FT1D), and 24 with acute-onset autoimmune type 1 diabetes (T1AD). Plasma glucose, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), GA, and age-adjusted GA (calculated as previously reported) were measured and compared.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in the plasma glucose levels of the group of patients with NDM and those with FT1D or T1AD. HbA1c and GA levels in the NDM group were not significantly different from those in the FT1D group, and both indicators were lower than those in the T1AD group. Age-adjusted GA levels in the NDM group did not differ significantly from those in the T1AD group, but were higher than those in the FT1D group.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that the time-course of plasma glucose elevation in NDM until diagnosis is similar to that in T1AD. In addition, the high age-adjusted GA value at diagnosis of NDM indicates that this test is useful for assessing chronic hyperglycemia in NDM.

A Case of Fulminant Type 1 Diabetes in a Patient with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Fulminant type 1 diabetes mellitus is a recently identified subtype of type 1 diabetes characterized by abrupt disease onset, a very short (<1 week) duration of diabetic symptoms, acidosis at diagnosis, negative status of islet-related autoantibodies, and virtually no C-peptide secretion. Cases of fulminant type 1 diabetes are prominently observed in East Asia, with several case reports and studies having originated from Japan. Indeed, a recent study from Japan reported that fulminant type 1 diabetes accounts for 15-20% of type 1 diabetes cases associated with onset of ketosis or ketoacidosis. Since 2005, several fulminant type 1 diabetes cases have also been reported in South Korea; however, there have been no reports of cases in patients previously diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Here, we report a rare case of fulminant type 1 diabetes in a patient previously diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.

Genetic risk analysis of a patient with fulminant autoimmune type 1 diabetes mellitus secondary to combination ipilimumab and nivolumab immunotherapy

BACKGROUND

Checkpoint inhibitor immunotherapy is becoming an effective treatment modality for an increasing number of malignancies. As a result, autoinflammatory side-effects are also being observed more commonly in the clinic. We are currently unable to predict which patients will develop more severe toxicities associated with these treatment regimens.

CASE PRESENTATION

We present a patient with stage IV melanoma that developed rapid onset autoimmune type 1 diabetes (T1D) in response to combination ipilimumab and nivolumab immunotherapy. At the time of the patient's presentation with diabetes ketoacidosis, a confirmed anti-GAD antibody seroconversion was noted. Longer-term follow-up of this patient has demonstrated a durable complete response based on PET CT imaging along with a persistently undetectable C-peptide level. Single nucleotide polymorphism gene sequencing and HLA risk allele analysis has revealed the patient to lack any established genetic predisposition to the development of autoimmune T1D.

CONCLUSIONS

While larger studies are necessary to better understand the role of genetic risk factors for the development of autoimmune toxicities in those patients undergoing checkpoint inhibitor immunotherapy, these results suggest that pre-screening patients for known T1D risk alleles may not be indicated. Additional investigation is needed to determine whether an approach such as T cell receptor clonotypic analysis to identify the presence of autoreactive T cell clones may be an effective approach for predicting which patients are at risk for the development of autoinflammatory toxicities while undergoing checkpoint inhibitor immunotherapy.

Is glycated albumin useful for differential diagnosis between fulminant type 1 diabetes mellitus and acute-onset autoimmune type 1 diabetes mellitus?

BACKGROUND

Markedly elevated plasma glucose and relatively low HbA1c compared to plasma glucose is one diagnostic criterion for fulminant type 1 diabetes mellitus (FT1DM). Glycated albumin (GA) is a glycemic control marker that reflects glycemic control in shorter period than HbA1c. This study investigated whether GA is useful for differential diagnosis between FT1DM and acute-onset autoimmune type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1ADM) or not.

METHODS

This study included 38 FT1DM patients and 31 T1ADM patients in whom both HbA1c and GA were measured at the time of diagnosis.

RESULTS

In FT1DM patients, as compared to T1ADM patients, both HbA1c and GA were significantly lower (HbA1c; 6.6±0.9% vs. 11.7±2.6%, P<0.0001, GA; 22.9±4.8% vs. 44.3±8.3%, P<0.0001). For differential diagnosis between FT1DM and T1ADM, ROC analysis showed that the optimum cut-off value for GA was 33.5% with sensitivity and specificity of 97.4% and 96.8%, respectively, while the optimum cut-off value for HbA1c was 8.7% with sensitivity and specificity of 100% and 83.9%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

GA also may be useful for the differential diagnosis between FT1DM and T1ADM when the cut-off value can be set at 33.5%.

Successful pharmaceutical-grade streptozotocin (STZ)-induced hyperglycemia in a conscious tethered baboon (Papio hamadryas) model

BACKGROUND

Non-human primate (NHP) diabetic models using chemical ablation of β-cells with STZ have been achieved by several research groups. Chemotherapeutic STZ could lead to serious adverse events including nephrotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, and mortality.

METHODS

We implemented a comprehensive therapeutic strategy that included the tether system, permanent indwelling catheter implants, an aggressive hydration protocol, management for pain with IV nubain and anxiety with IV midazolam, moment-by-moment monitoring of glucose levels post-STZ administration, and continuous intravenous insulin therapy.

RESULTS

A triphasic response in blood glucose after STZ administration was fully characterized. A dangerous hypoglycemic phase was also detected in all baboons. Other significant findings were hyperglycemia associated with low levels of plasma leptin, insulin and C-peptide concentrations, hyperglucagonemia, and elevated non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) concentrations.

CONCLUSIONS

We successfully induced frank diabetes by IV administering a single dose of pharmaceutical-grade STZ safely and without adverse events in conscious tethered baboons.

Fulminant type 1 diabetes mellitus associated with a reactivation of Epstein-Barr virus that developed in the course of chemotherapy of multiple myeloma

A 70‐year‐old woman who was diagnosed with multiple myeloma underwent chemotherapy. Three months after beginning chemotherapy, she was readmitted to the hospital because of fever and hepatopathy. Her elevated Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) antibody levels showed that the hepatopathy was caused by reactivation of EBV. On the 18th hospital day, the levels of fasting plasma glucose (FPG; 451 mg/dL) and pancreatic enzymes were suddenly elevated. Elevation of HbA_1c level (6.4%) was slight, as compared with that of the FPG level. Arterial blood gas analysis showed metabolic acidosis and diabetic ketoacidosis was suspected. The serum C‐peptide level was below the detectable limit both before and after glucagon load, thereby suggesting an insulin‐dependent state. These features were identical to the features for fulminant type 1 diabetes mellitus. The levels of EBV anti‐viral capsid antigen immunoglobulin M decreased, and the clinical course was identical to that associated with reactivation of EBV infection. (J Diabetes Invest, doi: 10.1111/j.2040.1124.2010.00061.x, 2010)

Correlation of glycated albumin but not hemoglobin A1c with endogenous insulin secretion in fulminant type 1 diabetes mellitus

Aims/Introduction:  Fulminant type 1 diabetes mellitus (FT1DM) develops as a result of very rapid and almost complete pancreatic β‐cell destruction. We hypothesized that in patients with FT1DM who have less endogenous insulin secretion, disease progression is more rapid, and thus glycated albumin (GA) levels are lower. This study was designed to prove this hypothesis.

Materials and Methods:  The present study included 42 patients with FT1DM (24 men, 18 women) in whom glycated hemoglobin (HbA_1c), GA and daily urinary C‐peptide (CPR) were measured at the time of diagnosis. Patients with complications, such as liver disease, kidney disease, anemia, or who were pregnant were excluded.

Results:  Urinary CPR (log transformed) was not correlated with HbA_1c (R = 0.168, P = 0.287), but was positively correlated with GA (R = 0.336, P = 0.030). It was weakly, but not significantly, correlated with GA/HbA_1c ratio (R = 0.281, P = 0.072). In patients with GA < 24.0%, urinary CPR was significantly lower than in patients with GA ≥ 24.0%. In addition, in patients with GA/HbA_1c ratio <3.8, urinary CPR was significantly lower than in patients with GA/HbA_1c ratio ≥ 3.8.

Conclusions:  Our findings suggest that in patients with FT1DM, GA at the time of diagnosis was correlated with endogenous insulin secretion. GA < 24.0% at the time of diagnosis is predictive for less endogenous insulin secretion in patients with FT1DM. (J Diabetes Invest, doi: 10.1111/j.2040‐1124.2010.00050.x, 2010)

An Unusual Case of Fulminant Type 1 Diabetes during the Second Trimester of Pregnancy

Fulminant type 1 diabetes is a new subtype of rapid-onset type 1 diabetes, with pancreatic exocrine dysfunction, that usually develops during the third trimester of pregnancy. We describe a patient with fulminant type 1 diabetes onset during her second trimester, resulting in premature delivery. The 34-year-old woman, without any known risk factors for diabetes mellitus, experienced a sudden stillbirth at 24-weeks gestation. Her blood glucose level was 950 mg/dL and she was positive for urine ketone bodies. The condition met all the diagnostic criteria for fulminant type 1 diabetes, and was diagnosed as such. Although this disease is rare, its progression is rapid, and its clinical course is severe and occasionally leads to death; therefore, a full knowledge of the disease is important to facilitate an accurate diagnosis.

Endocrine emergencies in pregnancy

Endocrine emergencies in pregnancy are rare and are more likely to occur in the absence of good obstetric care. Serious thyroid and diabetes related events in pregnancy are more common because of their higher prevalence in the normal population. Pituitary complications in pregnancy are now relatively rare. A high index of suspicion is needed for early diagnosis, and medical treatment is directed primarily at maintaining maternal hemodynamic stability. A close liaison between an endocrinologist, maternal-fetal specialist and intensivist is critical in optimising both maternal and fetal outcomes.

Fulminant type 1 diabetes: a collaborative clinical cases investigation in China

To clarify the detailed distribution, clinical and immunological features of patients with fulminant type 1 diabetes (F1D), we consecutively investigated 53 cases from nationwide 24 hospitals in China. After the clinical and immunological features were evaluated, we compared pregnancy-associated F1D (PF) with those of child-bearing age with F1D that was not associated with pregnancy in clinical characteristics. As a result, patients with F1D were reported from all over China, and there was no significant regional and seasonal preference of this disease. Around 34.0% (18/53) patients displayed low titers of autoantibodies against one or more autoantigens, including 12 cases positive for GADA, 2 for IA-2A, 4 for ZnT8A and 3 for both GADA and ZnT8A. The frequency of PF in female F1D was 34.6% (9/26). Among 9 PF patients, 8 (88.9%) developed F1D during pregnancy which resulted in stillbirth, while one had the onset of F1D after eutocia with her fetus survived. This study suggests that islet-associated autoimmunity may be involved in and contribute to the development of F1D. Pregnant women may be PF high-risk population, and the prognosis for the fetus is extremely poor in PF patients.

Fulminant Type 1 diabetes in a pregnant woman as an initial manifestation of the insulin autoimmune syndrome

Fulminant Type 1 diabetes is a subtype of Type 1 diabetes characterized by (1) abrupt onset of diabetes, (2) very short duration of hyperglycaemia with mildly elevated HbA(1c) (< 69 mmol/mol, 8.5%), (3) rapid progression to diabetic ketoacidosis, (4) very low C-peptide level, and (5) often associated with elevated serum pancreatic enzymes, and absence of diabetes-related autoantibodies. We encountered a case of fulminant Type 1 diabetes that developed with an initial manifestation of the insulin autoimmune syndrome and rapidly progressed to diabetic ketoacidosis during pregnancy. A 31-year-old Korean woman presented with recurrent sudden onset of sweating and change of consciousness during sleep at 19 weeks gestation. During a 72-h fasting test, hypoglycaemia (1.72 mmol/l) occurred at 4 h after the start of the test. At that time, there was a high insulin level (370.2 μU/ml), a paradoxically low C-peptide level (0.01 nmol/l) and a positive insulin autoantibody test. An oral glucose tolerance test revealed postprandial hyperglycaemia. She was initially diagnosed as the insulin autoimmune syndrome. On the day 5 of admission, she developed diabetic ketoacidosis. Her HbA(1c) was 62 mmol/mol (7.8%). The rapid progression of diabetic ketoacidosis altered the diagnosis to fulminant Type 1 diabetes. This case differed from typical fulminant Type 1 diabetes because it presented with hypoglycaemia, and positive insulin and anti-phospholipid antibody tests. Her HLA typing was HLA-DQA1*0302, 0501, HLA-DRB1*0301 (DR3), 0901(DR9). Her glucose level was subsequently very well controlled with multiple insulin injections and she successfully delivered a healthy baby.

Fulminant type 1 diabetes mellitus: a study of nine cases

OBJECTIVE

The study aims to explore the prevalence and clinical features of fulminant type 1 diabetes mellitus (F1DM).

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

We analyzed 11,202 patients who were diagnosed having diabetes and admitted to the Department of Endocrinology, Nanjin First Hospital, Nanjin, China, from September 2005 to April 2011. Among 198 patients classified having type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), nine patients were diagnosed having F1DM. Clinical features of F1DM were analyzed and compared with typical T1DM.

RESULTS

The prevalence of F1DM was 4.5% (nine of 198 T1DM patients) in this study. F1DM patients had significantly high levels of random blood glucose (40±9 mmol/L). However, glycated hemoglobin (7.1±1.0%) and C-reactive peptide (0.21±0.15 μg/L) at 2 h postprandial were significantly lower in F1DM patients compared with typical T1DM patients. Six of them had flu-like symptoms. Five of them showed gastrointestinal symptoms. Three patients experienced disturbance of consciousness. However, none of these symptoms was found in patients with typical T1DM. A continuous intravenous insulin infusion therapy using a portable pump was given during the acute phase to control hyperglycemia and ketoacidosis. All F1DM patients survived after treatment.

CONCLUSION

In this single hospital-based study, nine Chinese patients met the criteria for diagnosis of F1DM. Although F1DM may be fatal, prompt treatment is required and useful to rescue these patients.

The first Vietnamese patient with fulminant type 1 diabetes mellitus

A 23-year-old pregnant woman had a stillbirth at 30 weeks gestation due to abrupt diabetic ketoacidosis. The patient had a normal HbA1c, severe hyperglycemia, negative islet cell autoantibodies, and very low insulin secretion capacity. The viral markers associated with fulminant type 1 diabetes were negative. The patient's human leukocyte antigen genotypes were DRB1*04:06 and DQB1*03:01/05:02, not common subtypes for fulminant type 1 diabetes. This is the first Vietnamese patient with fulminant type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Fulminant type 1 diabetes in Australia in the absence of humoral and cellular immune responses to pancreatic islet autoantigens

We document the first reported case of fulminant diabetes, without evidence of pancreatic islet autoimmunity, in Australia in a woman of Chinese Vietnamese background. Fulminant diabetes occurs primarily in Asia, particularly in Japan, but with widespread population migration clinicians need to be aware of this form of diabetes.

Elevated pancreatic enzymes, IgM, soluble interleukin-2 receptor in anti-GADab(+) type 1 diabetes

Type 1 diabetes can be classified into immune-mediated diabetes (type 1A) and idiopathic diabetes, which lacks immunological evidence for beta cell autoimmunity (type 1B). Type 1A diabetes is characterized by the presence of the anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase antibody (anti-GADab). Fulminant type 1 diabetes is classified as type 1B diabetes, and characterized by the absence of anti-GADab, flu-like symptoms, and elevated serum exocrine pancreatic enzymes. We report a type 1 diabetic patient who showed flu-like symptoms, elevated serum exocrine pancreatic enzymes, and an extremely high-titer of anti-GADab, manifesting the characteristics of both type 1A and fulminant type 1 diabetes.

Fulminant type 1 diabetes in China: a case report and review of the literature

Fulminant type 1 diabetes is a recently discovered subtype of idiopathic type 1 diabetes, defined as diabetes with an extremely rapid process of β-cell destruction and progression to hyperglycemia and ketoacidosis. In this report, we present a case of fulminant type 1 diabetes in a 45-year-old Chinese woman, along with a review of the literature. The patient presented with sudden onset of polydipsia and polyuria after flu-like symptoms. Findings on admission included a high blood glucose level and ketoacidosis, but normal HbA1c level. The C-peptide stimulation test showed severe impairment of insulin secretion. Autoantibodies to glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) were negative. These results are compatible with the diagnosis of fulminant type 1 diabetes. Human leukocyte antigen-DR7 (HLA-DR7) was available in this case. It is concluded that this rapidly progressing type of diabetes exists, and we propose that HLA-DR7 might be predisposed to fulminant type 1 diabetes in Chinese patients.

Fulminant type 1 diabetes mellitus in Korean adolescents

Fulminant type 1 diabetes has recently been identified as a new subtype of idiopathic diabetes that is mostly found in Japanese adults. The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency as well as the clinical and laboratory characteristics of fulminant type 1 diabetes among Korean children with childhood-onset type 1 diabetes. One-hundred and fifty patients that had been newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes over the past 10 years were included. These patients came from three hospitals. Out of the 150 patients, two female patients fulfilled the criteria for fulminant type 1 diabetes. They were negative for islet autoantibodies. The patients with fulminant type 1 diabetes had an older age of onset and a lower HbA1c than the patients with autoimmune or idiopathic type 1 diabetes. In addition, the patients with fulminant type 1 diabetes had increased serum aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and amylase levels, and decreased fasting serum C-peptide levels. The frequency of fulminant type 1 diabetes was 1.33% among all patients newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes under the age of 16. Although this type of diabetes is more commonly an adult-onset disease, it is possible that fulminant type 1 diabetes has not yet been fully recognized in children and adolescence, and may be more common than initially thought.

Differential association of HLA with three subtypes of type 1 diabetes: fulminant, slowly progressive and acute-onset

AIM/HYPOTHESIS

We sought to clarify similarities and differences in the contribution of HLA to genetic susceptibility to three subtypes of type 1 diabetes: acute-onset, fulminant and slowly progressive.

METHODS

We genotyped 545 Japanese patients with type 1 diabetes (338 acute-onset, 80 fulminant, 127 slowly progressive) and 396 control participants at HLA-DRB1, -DQB1, -A, -B and -C, and at 101 candidate single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in an 8.5 Mb region of the extended HLA.

RESULTS

DRB1*0405-DQB1*0401, DRB1*0802-DQB1*0302 and DRB1*0901-DQB1*0303 were associated with acute-onset type 1 diabetes, with the DRB1*0405-DQB1*0401/DRB1*0802-DQB1*0302 genotype achieving the highest odds ratio of 42.7. DRB1*1501-DQB1*0602 and DRB1*1502-DQB1*0601 were negatively associated with acute-onset type 1 diabetes. A similar tendency was observed for slowly progressive type 1 diabetes. In contrast, only DRB1*0405-DQB1*0401 was associated with fulminant type 1 diabetes, with the DRB1*0405-DQB1*0401/DRB1*0405-DQB1*0401 genotype showing the highest odds ratio of 11.2. DRB1*0802-DQB1*0302, DRB1*0405-DQB1*0401/DRB1*0802-DQB1*0302 and DRB1*1501-DQB1*0602 were not associated with fulminant type 1 diabetes. The association of class I alleles and a panel of SNPs in an extended HLA region with fulminant type 1 diabetes was also different from that seen for the acute-onset and slowly progressive forms. The presence of both one and two susceptible haplotypes conferred susceptibility to slowly progressive type 1 diabetes, whereas the presence of two susceptible haplotypes was required to confer susceptibility to acute-onset and fulminant type 1 diabetes.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

These data suggest that HLA associations with fulminant type 1 diabetes are qualitatively different from those with other subtypes of type 1 diabetes, whereas the HLA contribution to slowly progressive type 1 diabetes is qualitatively similar to, but quantitatively different from, that in acute-onset type 1 diabetes.

A case of fulminant type 1 diabetes with coxsackie B4 virus infection diagnosed by elevated serum levels of neutralizing antibody

A 39-year-old woman with hyperglycemia and ketonuria but with normal HbA1c level was diagnosed as having fulminant type 1 diabetes. The patient had 8-fold increase in the plasma titer of coxsackie B4 virus neutralizing antibody. Infection with coxsackie B4 virus was associated with fulminant type 1 diabetes.

Amylase alpha-2A autoantibodies: novel marker of autoimmune pancreatitis and fulminant type 1 diabetes

OBJECTIVE

The pathogenesis of autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) and fulminant type 1 diabetes remains unclear, although it is known that immune-mediated processes severely compromise the endocrine and exocrine functions in both diseases.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We have screened a lambdaTriplEx2 human pancreas cDNA library with serum from a patient with AIP and obtained positive clones. Sequence analysis revealed that 7 of 10 clones were identical to human amylase alpha-2A. Using a recombinant COOH-terminal amylase alpha-2A protein, we developed an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay system to detect autoantibodies against human amylase alpha-2A.

RESULTS

All 15 serum samples from patients with AIP recognized the recombinant protein, whereas sera from 25 patients with chronic alcoholic pancreatitis and sera from 25 patients with a pancreas tumor did not. Interestingly, 88% (15/17) of patients with fulminant type 1 diabetes were positive for an autoantibody against amylase alpha-2A. These antibodies were detected in 21% of patients with acute-onset type 1 diabetes (9 of 42) and 6% of type 2 diabetic patients (4 of 67).

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that an autoantibody against amylase alpha-2A is a novel diagnostic marker for both AIP and fulminant type 1 diabetes and that, clinically and immunologically, AIP and fulminant type 1 diabetes are closely related.

Genetic Basis of Type 1 Diabetes: Similarities and Differences between East and West

Type 1 diabetes is a multifactorial disease caused by a complex interaction of genetic and environmental factors. The genetic factors involved consist of multiple susceptibility genes, at least five of which, HLA, INS, CTLA4, PTPN22 and IL2RA/CD25, have been shown to be associated with type 1 diabetes in Caucasian (Western) populations, as has recently been confirmed by genome-wide association studies. It has been proposed, however, that the contribution of these genes to type 1 diabetes susceptibility may be different in Asian (Eastern) populations. HLA and INS genes are consistently associated with type 1 diabetes in both Caucasian and Asian populations, but apparent differences in disease-associated alleles and haplotypes are observed between Japanese and Caucasian subjects. The association of CTLA4 with type 1 diabetes is concentrated in a subset of patients with autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD) in both Japanese and Caucasian populations, while the association of PTPN22 with type 1 diabetes in Japanese and most Asian populations is not as clear as in Caucasians. IL2RA/CD25 genes seem to be similarly distributed in type 1 diabetes patients in the two populations, whereas genetic heterogeneity may exist regarding SUMO4, with an association of the M55V variant with type 1 diabetes observed in Asians, but not in Caucasians. Genome-wide association studies (GWA) are largely outstanding for Asian populations but they are now underway in Japan. This review reports on the discovered similarities and differences in susceptibility genes for type 1 diabetes between East and West and discusses the most recent observations made by the involved investigators.