Diabetic Ketoacidosis and Hypertriglyceridemia-Induced Acute Pancreatitis Requiring Plasmapheresis: A Case Report of a Rare Presentation of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Adults

The triad of diabetic ketoacidosis, hypertriglyceridemia, and acute pancreatitis is a rare presentation of diabetes mellitus type 2 in adults. We report a case of a 41-year-old male who presented at the emergency department with a sudden onset of severe abdominal pain. Diagnosis of diabetic ketoacidosis, hypertriglyceridemia, and acute pancreatitis was made. Triglyceride level was 6056 mg/dL and glycated hemoglobin was 12.6%. Vigorous fluid therapy and continuous infusion of insulin were started, but due to maintained symptoms, a single plasmapheresis session was performed, with significant clinical improvement. This case emphasizes the diagnostic challenges of the triad and highlights the potential role of plasmapheresis in rapidly reducing triglyceride levels.