AUSTRALIAN JOURNAL OF BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH
Case Report
May 05, 2026 5 2

Crossing of Autoimmunity and Metabolic Dysfunction: A Case of Double Diabetes in an Algerian Adolescent

Auda Ameur 1 2 * ,
Wiam Saadi 3,
Ahlam Fatmi 4,
Charef Latroch 2,
Karim Bouziane Nedjadi 2,
Véroniques Desvignes 5 6
1 University of Oran 1, Faculty of Medicine, Oran, Algeria2 Department of Pediatrics B, Amilcar CABRAL, Oran University Hospital, Oran, Algeria3 Department of Biology, Faculty of Nature, Life and Earth Sciences, University of Djillali Bounaama, Khemis Miliana, Algeria4 Department of Microbiology & Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of M’sila, Algeria5 Clermont Ferrand University Hospital, Auvergnes, France6 French Association of Ambulatory Pediatrics, Ancenis Saint Géréon, France* Corresponding Author
Australian Journal of Biomedical Research, 2(2), 2026, aubm020, https://doi.org/10.63946/aubiomed/18515
Publication date: May 05, 2026
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ABSTRACT

Background: The rising prevalence of childhood obesity and sedentary lifestyles has blurred the traditional distinction between type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Double diabetes represents the coexistence of autoimmune β-cell destruction and insulin resistance, posing diagnostic and therapeutic challenges, particularly in adolescents.
Case presentation: We report the case of a 17-year-old obese female with a three-year history of type 1 diabetes who developed marked insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome features. Despite high insulin requirements (1.6 U/kg/day), glycemic control remained poor (HbA1c 12.8%). Clinical examination revealed obesity (BMI 32.4 kg/m²) and acanthosis nigricans. Laboratory evaluation showed preserved C-peptide secretion, dyslipidemia, elevated leptin and homocysteine levels, and positivity for anti-GAD65 and islet cell antibodies, supporting the diagnosis of double diabetes.
Management and Outcomes: A combined therapeutic strategy including optimization of basal-bolus insulin therapy, adjunctive metformin, structured nutritional intervention, and regular physical activity was implemented. Six months later, and at the stage of her transition, HbA1c decreased to 7.8%, body weight was reduced by 8 kg, daily insulin requirements decreased by 35%, and lipid parameters improved significantly.
Conclusion: This case highlights the importance of early recognition of double diabetes in youth and demonstrates that integrated metabolic and autoimmune-targeted management can significantly improve glycemic control and cardiometabolic risk.

KEYWORDS

Double Diabetes Adolescents Obesity Insulin Resistance Autoimmunity Algeria

CITATION (Vancouver)

Ameur A, Saadi W, Fatmi A, Latroch C, Bouziane Nedjadi K, Desvignes V. Crossing of Autoimmunity and Metabolic Dysfunction: A Case of Double Diabetes in an Algerian Adolescent. Australian Journal of Biomedical Research. 2026;2(2):aubm020. https://doi.org/10.63946/aubiomed/18515
APA
Ameur, A., Saadi, W., Fatmi, A., Latroch, C., Bouziane Nedjadi, K., & Desvignes, V. (2026). Crossing of Autoimmunity and Metabolic Dysfunction: A Case of Double Diabetes in an Algerian Adolescent. Australian Journal of Biomedical Research, 2(2), aubm020. https://doi.org/10.63946/aubiomed/18515
Harvard
Ameur, A., Saadi, W., Fatmi, A., Latroch, C., Bouziane Nedjadi, K., and Desvignes, V. (2026). Crossing of Autoimmunity and Metabolic Dysfunction: A Case of Double Diabetes in an Algerian Adolescent. Australian Journal of Biomedical Research, 2(2), aubm020. https://doi.org/10.63946/aubiomed/18515
AMA
Ameur A, Saadi W, Fatmi A, Latroch C, Bouziane Nedjadi K, Desvignes V. Crossing of Autoimmunity and Metabolic Dysfunction: A Case of Double Diabetes in an Algerian Adolescent. Australian Journal of Biomedical Research. 2026;2(2), aubm020. https://doi.org/10.63946/aubiomed/18515
Chicago
Ameur, Auda, Wiam Saadi, Ahlam Fatmi, Charef Latroch, Karim Bouziane Nedjadi, and Véroniques Desvignes. "Crossing of Autoimmunity and Metabolic Dysfunction: A Case of Double Diabetes in an Algerian Adolescent". Australian Journal of Biomedical Research 2026 2 no. 2 (2026): aubm020. https://doi.org/10.63946/aubiomed/18515
MLA
Ameur, Auda et al. "Crossing of Autoimmunity and Metabolic Dysfunction: A Case of Double Diabetes in an Algerian Adolescent". Australian Journal of Biomedical Research, vol. 2, no. 2, 2026, aubm020. https://doi.org/10.63946/aubiomed/18515

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