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Life-threatening hypokalaemia on a low-carbohydrate diet associated with previously undiagnosed primary hypoaldosteronism

Lookup NU author(s): Dr Andrew Advani, Professor Robert TaylorORCiD

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Abstract

Background: Low-carbohydrate diets are popular and fashionable for weight loss despite lack of evidence about long-term effects. Many individuals attempting to lose weight have hypertension, especially those with diabetes, and the prevalence of hyperaldosteronism among hypertensive patients is higher than previously recognized. We present a patient with Type 2 diabetes and previously undiagnosed hyperaldosteronism who developed life-threatening hypokalaemia while following a low-carbohydrate diet. Case Report: A 60-year-old man with diet-treated Type 2 diabetes and hypertension presented with generalized muscle weakness and serum potassium of 1.9 mmol/l. He had succeeded in losing three and a half stones during the previous 4 months by adhering strictly to a low-carbohydrate diet. HbA1c was 4.8% and plasma aldosterone:renin ratios were elevated suggestive of increased aldosterone secretion. On a low-calorie mixed diet serum potassium levels were maintained in the low-normal range over the following 165 days. The adrenals were normal on CT scanning and blood pressure responded dramatically to the addition of spironolactone on day 212 (125/83 mmHg). Conclusions: The prevalence of primary hyperaldosteronism in the hypertensive population, based on elevation of plasma renin:aldosterone ratio, is approximately 6%. The majority of these people are normokalaemic and remain undiagnosed. However, when carbohydrate intake is restricted such individuals are at increased risk of potentially life-threatening metabolic derangements. © 2005 Diabetes UK.

Publication metadata

Author(s): Advani A, Taylor R

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: Diabetic Medicine

Year: 2005

Volume: 22

Issue: 11

Pages: 1605-1607

ISSN (print): 0742-3071

ISSN (electronic): 1464-5491

Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1464-5491.2005.01714.x

DOI: 10.1111/j.1464-5491.2005.01714.x

PubMed id: 16241928

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