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Tirzepatide-Induced Ketoacidosis in Non-Diabetic Patients.
Eur J Case Rep Intern Med · 2024
Last updated 2026-06-30A case report describes the first instance of ketoacidosis in an obese person without diabetes after taking tirzepatide, a drug that affects blood sugar control and weight. The condition was linked to possible starvation and insulin resistance. The report warns that this complication is serious and advises doctors to watch for early symptoms, test for ketones, and stop the medication if needed.
AI summary of the abstract below.
| Journal | Eur J Case Rep Intern Med, 2024 |
|---|---|
| Citations | 20 |
| Relative citation ratio | 3.96 |
| NIH percentile | 89 |
| Molecules | tirzepatide |
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Tirzepatide is a novel glucagon-like peptide 1/glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GLP-1/GIP) receptor agonist. It was recently approved for diabetes control and weight reduction in non-diabetic patients.
CASE DESCRIPTION: We report the first case of ketoacidosis after the use of tirzepatide in an obese non-diabetic patient, secondary to the possibility of starvation ketoacidosis and insulin resistance.
CONCLUSION: The dual-acting GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonists, tirzepatide, can induce ketoacidosis in obese non-diabetic patients.
LEARNING POINTS: The dual-acting GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonists can cause ketoacidosis in obese non-diabetic patients.Ketoacidosis induced by tirzepatide is serious, and physicians should be aware of this complication and be alert to early symptoms, check serum and urine ketone levels, and stop medication.
Verbatim abstract via PubMed 38584893 ↗
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