A CASE OF WERNER'S SYNDROME WITH DIABETES MELLITUS AND HYPERLIPIDEMIA

Abstract

We report a case of W erner's syndrome with diabetes mellitus and hyperlipidemia. The patient was a 54-year old man. Diabetes or impaired glucose tolerance and other metabolic abnormalities are frequently associated with this syndrome. An intravenous glucose tolerance test showed reduced glucose tolerance coupled with low K-value. The urinary C-peptide level was almost normal. The quantification of tissue insulin sensitivity by insulin injection (0.1U/kg regular insulin) showed a decrease in IST (insulin sensitivity index) of 1.47. There was no evidence of increased levels of insulin counterregulatory hormones. No anti-insulin antibodies were detected. The affinity and number of erythrocyte insulin receptors were normal. This reduced insulin sensitivity seems to be due to a defective post recep-or mechanism. This patient had hypertriglyceridemia and hypercholesterolemia. Special attention should be paid to prevention of complications of the several metabolic disorders that are evident in this syndrome.