Teen’s diabetes mystery uncovers a rare autoimmune syndrome
A 17-year-old girl presents with vomiting, weight loss, thirst and very high blood sugar, initially pointing to type 1 diabetes. Despite insulin treatment, she experiences morning hypoglycemia, and doctors note tanning and atypical symptoms, prompting evaluation for Addison's disease. Tests reveal autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome type 2 (APS-2), linking diabetes with Addison’s. She’s treated with insulin and steroids, and after about two months shows improvement. The case underscores screening youths with new-onset type 1 diabetes for additional autoimmune disorders to prevent adrenal crises.