A Case of Transient Neonatal Diabetes Mellitus Successfully Managed with Basal Rate only Insulin Pump

Abstract

Introduction: Neonatal diabetes mellitus is a rare condition that presents in the first few weeks to months of life. The neonate presents with low birth weight, dehydration, and hyperglycemia with or without ketoacidosis. Management using insulin drip, subcutaneous insulin injection and continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) each present their own challenges. There is risk of hypoglycemia even with tiny doses of insulin. Case: We present a case of transient neonatal diabetes mellitus (TNDM) due to paternal uniparental disomy at the 6q24 region, initially diagnosed late at DOL 29 due to the intermittent nature of hyperglycemia. The patient was born with low birth weight, macroglossia, umbilical hernia, and required repair of bilateral inguinal hernia. The other challenges involve management of insulin administration due to the limited amount of subcutaneous tissue in neonates as well as the minute doses of insulin required. Our patient was successfully managed with the most advanced insulin pump at the time with diluted insulin, using a basal rate-only regimen at total daily dose of 0.01-0.2u/kg/day, which is much lower than reported in the current literature. Additionally, this report shows that by titrating to pre-feed glucose, no episodes of hypoglycemia were noted. She had much less blood sugar variability and remained euglycemic. A 90-degree steel catheter was used successfully. Conclusion: TNDM due to paternal uniparental disomy at the 6q24 region can successfully be treated using basal rate-only CSII regimen, titrated to pre-feed glucoses, and 90-degree steel catheter.