Diabetic Ketoacidosis Associated With the Menstrual Cycle: A Case of Catamenial Diabetic Ketoacidosis

Division

West Florida

Hospital

Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point

Document Type

Case Report

Publication Date

12-14-2025

Keywords

catamenial dka, diabetic ketoacidosis, hormonal insulin resistance, menstrual cycle, type 1 diabetes

Disciplines

Endocrine System Diseases | Internal Medicine | Medicine and Health Sciences

Abstract

Catamenial diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is an uncommon but clinically significant phenomenon characterized by recurrent DKA episodes temporally related to the menstrual cycle. Hormonal fluctuations, particularly luteal-phase progesterone surges that contribute to transient insulin resistance, appear to play a central role in this condition. We present the case of a 34-year-old woman with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) who developed recurrent DKA episodes coinciding with her menstrual periods. Extensive evaluation ruled out infection, noncompliance, and insulin pump malfunction. A clear temporal association between symptom onset and menstruation was established through review of menstrual and glucose logs. She was treated with intravenous fluids, potassium replacement, and insulin infusion per DKA protocol. Within 24 hours, her anion gap closed, bicarbonate normalized, and she was transitioned to subcutaneous insulin with endocrinology follow-up. Patterns of glucose dysregulation linked to menstrual hormonal shifts can create cyclical susceptibility to ketosis and metabolic decompensation. In this context, rising luteal-phase progesterone and accompanying hormonal changes may enhance counterregulatory activity and impair glucose utilization. Recognizing this pattern is essential, as targeted strategies such as hormonal modulation or anticipatory insulin dose adjustments may help prevent recurrence. A focused approach that considers individualized physiologic variation can improve diagnostic accuracy and long-term management in affected patients.

Publisher or Conference

Cureus

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