Unmasking Type 1 Diabetes in Adults: Insights From Two Cases Revealing Misdiagnosis As Type 2 Diabetes, With Emphasis on Autoimmunity and Continuous Glucose Monitoring

Abstract

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is often misdiagnosed as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in adults, resulting in inadequate treatment and poor disease management. In this report, we present two patients initially misdiagnosed with T2DM for 14 and four years, respectively, leading to complications like diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Reevaluation confirmed adult-onset T1DM through antibody tests. Treatment was adjusted to a basal-bolus insulin regimen with the use of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM). The correct diagnosis and CGM implementation significantly improved diabetes mellitus management. This case report emphasizes the importance of mindful diagnosis in adult patients with diabetes mellitus, considering both type 1 and type 2 differentials.