ABSTRACT
Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (BWS) is a genetic overgrowth syndrome with multiple clinical manifestations, including hypoglycemia. Various genetic alterations leading to BWS have been described. Literature has also described the association between BWS and congenital diabetes, but little is known about the association with type 1 diabetes (T1D). We report a 4-year-old female patient with co-occurring BWS and T1D. The patient presented with 2.4-kilogram weight loss in 3 months accompanied by headache, polyuria, and polydipsia. Initial workup showed blood glucose of 681 mg/dL (37.8 mmol/L). Additional workup revealed marked elevation of the glutamic acid decarboxylase 65 and insulin antibodies, confirming the diagnosis of T1D. The patient's initial genetic test results revealed BWS caused by hypomethylation of the imprinting center 2 (IC2) found on maternal chromosome 11. Concurrence of BWS and T1D is rare and there are cases previously described where BWS has co-occurred with congenital diabetes but not T1D. Although the etiology of acquired autoimmunity is unclear, the answer may lie in genetic analysis or autoimmunity secondary to preceding viral illness. Regardless of the etiology, this case emphasizes further exploration of the association between BWS and T1D.
ABSTRACT
Animals have had a profound impact on health throughout the course of human history. Beginning with zootherapy in the ancient world, where animals were used as sources of mystical healing, animals have been crucial in the scientific discovery of human health and disease. In the modern world, the therapeutic application of emotional support animals serves as recognition for the symbiotic relationship between animals and humans. Appreciating the continued application of animals in human health serves as a reminder of the connectivity between humanity and the animal kingdom.
