Type 1 diabetes mellitus in a known sickle cell anaemia patient: a rare combination in Nigeria.

Abstract

Background: Sickle cell anaemia is a very common disease condition in Nigeria. Its co-existence with type 1 diabetes mellitus is however rare, with only a few cases having been reported in literature and only two children have been reported from Nigeria. The genetic basis for this has not been fully reviewed. This case represents one of the few documented of both type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and homozygous sickle cell disease co-existing in an individual. More research is necessary to identify the factors that influence this co-morbidity and its effects on disease progression and patient management.

Case report: Q. O, a ten year old girl presented in October 2011 with 9 year history of recurrent bone pains, yellowness of the eyes and poor growth. She also had a short history of polyphagia, polydipsia and polyuria. Haemoglobin electrophoresis showed SS while a random plasma glucose done at least twice was greater than 200 mg/dl. There was no ketosis nor did she have any other adverse complications. She is currently being managed as a case of sickle cell haemoglobinopathy with T1DM. Her management has been hampered by severe financial constraints.

Conclusion: This report seeks to increase the awareness of this rare co-existence in this environment, as well as to highlight the antecedent challenges in management.