Weight loss in a Diabetic Patient: Beyond Metformin Side Effects
Neves Sara
ABSTRACT
Although metformin is widely used in treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), it frequently causes gastrointestinal side effects. We presented the case of a 64-year-old man with newly diagnosed T2DM who developed nausea, anorexia, and significant weight loss initially attributed to metformin. Despite dose reduction, weight loss progressed and a large abdominal mass was detected, later diagnosed as low-grade pancreatic acinar cell carcinoma. Since pancreatic tumors may initially present with newly diagnosed or worsening diabetes, particularly with marked weight loss, clinicians should maintain a high
index of suspicion in atypical cases to avoid delayed diagnosis.
