# Diabetic Ketoacidosis in an Undiagnosed Type 1 Diabetic: A Case Study Highlighting Barriers to Rural Healthcare Access

## TL;DR

A 17-year-old from a rural area developed severe diabetes complications due to delayed diagnosis, highlighting rural healthcare access challenges.

## Contribution

The case emphasizes the impact of limited healthcare access on rural populations and suggests mentorship programs as a potential solution.

## Key findings

- The patient's symptoms were misattributed to a viral illness due to limited healthcare access.
- Delayed diagnosis led to severe dehydration and diabetic ketoacidosis.
- The case underscores the need for improved health literacy and provider outreach in rural communities.

## Abstract

This case report describes a 17-year-old male from a rural, medically underserved community who presented to the emergency department with severe dehydration, altered mental status, and labored breathing. He was found to have new-onset type 1 diabetes mellitus complicated by diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Due to limited healthcare access, his symptoms were initially misattributed to a viral illness, delaying appropriate diagnosis and treatment. The case highlights the barriers faced by rural populations in obtaining timely medical care and underscores the importance of mentorship programs in increasing health literacy and provider outreach in these communities.