Pernicious Anemia in a Patient with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus and Alopecia Areata Universalis

    November 2009 in “ Journal of diabetes and its complications ”
    Thrasivoulos Tzellos, Dimitrios K. Tahmatzidis, Aimilios Lallas, Kiriaki Apostolidou, Dimitrios G. Goulis
    TLDR Patients with Type 1 diabetes should be screened for pernicious anemia.
    A 27-year-old male with Type 1 diabetes mellitus (DMT1) and alopecia areata universalis presented with general fatigue and shortness of breath, leading to a diagnosis of pernicious anemia confirmed by positive antigastric parietal cell and anti-intrinsic factor antibodies. This case highlighted the increased risk of pernicious anemia and gastric carcinoids in DMT1 patients, emphasizing the importance of screening for antigastric parietal cell antibodies, serum gastrin, and vitamin B12 levels. The report aimed to remind clinicians of these risks and the need for appropriate diagnostic approaches.
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