Diabetic ketoacidosis induced by liraglutide overdose for weight loss in a type 2 diabetes patient: A case report.

Xu H, Zhang Y

Medicine1 Jan 2026

PMID41578502PMCIDPMC12851697DOI10.1097/md.0000000000046197PepBankPUB-41578502

Summary

BackgroundType 2 diabetes mellitus is a major global health concern. Liraglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist, is widely used for glycemic control and weight loss. While generally safe, its misuse, particularly overdose, poses severe risks that are poorly documented. This case report aims to describe the clinical course and management of a life-threatening diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) induced by a massive liraglutide overdose, highlighting the critical importance of patient education and adherence to prescribing guidelines.MethodsWe present a case report of a 43-year-old female with type 2 diabetes mellitus who self-administered liraglutide at 10 times the recommended dose (cumulative 18 mg over 3 days).ResultsFollowing the overdose, the patient was diagnosed with severe DKA (pH 6.9), with markedly elevated β-hydroxybutyrate and hyperkalemia. Conventional management failed to correct the life-threatening acidosis, necessitating salvage hemodialysis, which rapidly stabilized her metabolic parameters.ConclusionThis case underscores the dangers of liraglutide overdose, particularly for weight loss purposes, and highlights the critical need for strict adherence to prescribed dosages and comprehensive patient education. Clinicians should vigilantly monitor liraglutide therapy to prevent severe complications like DKA. In refractory DKA with profound acidosis (pH ≤ 7.0) or end-organ compromise, hemodialysis may be considered for rapid detoxification and stabilization. This report serves as a critical reminder of the potential dangers associated with glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist misuse.

CC BYText from Europe PMC. Highlighted sentences are the source of results.

Results from this study4

4 results from studies that gave the peptide. 4 results from people.

01HumanCase report or seriesSafety outcome
In a woman with type 2 diabetes, a massive liraglutide overdose was followed by severe diabetic ketoacidosis.
In plain wordsIn one woman with type 2 diabetes, a massive liraglutide overdose was followed by severe diabetic ketoacidosis.
Peptide
Liraglutide
Outcome
Not applicableDiabetic ketoacidosis
Study
n = 1
Outcome group
Adverse events · Metabolic and weight
Studied dose
cumulative 18 mg · 3 daysAs given in this study (human).
Source sentences
Summary
Following the overdose, the patient was diagnosed with severe DKA (pH 6.9), with markedly elevated β-hydroxybutyrate and hyperkalemia.
1 context sentence(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
We present a case report of a 43-year-old female with type 2 diabetes mellitus who self-administered liraglutide at 10 times the recommended dose (cumulative 18 mg over 3 days).
Show in the study text Report a problemFND-4157850201
02HumanCase report or seriesSafety outcome
In a woman with type 2 diabetes, a massive liraglutide overdose was followed by severe acidosis with pH 6.9.
In plain wordsIn one woman with type 2 diabetes, a massive liraglutide overdose was followed by severe acidosis.
Peptide
Liraglutide
Outcome
Not applicableAcidosis
Study
n = 1
Outcome group
Adverse events · Metabolic and weight
Studied dose
cumulative 18 mg · 3 daysAs given in this study (human).
Measurements
pH
6.9
severe diabetic ketoacidosis
Source sentences
Summary
Following the overdose, the patient was diagnosed with severe DKA (pH 6.9), with markedly elevated β-hydroxybutyrate and hyperkalemia.
1 context sentence(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
We present a case report of a 43-year-old female with type 2 diabetes mellitus who self-administered liraglutide at 10 times the recommended dose (cumulative 18 mg over 3 days).
Show in the study text Report a problemFND-4157850202
03HumanCase report or seriesSafety outcome
In a woman with type 2 diabetes, a massive liraglutide overdose was followed by markedly elevated beta-hydroxybutyrate.
In plain wordsIn one woman with type 2 diabetes, a massive liraglutide overdose was followed by high beta-hydroxybutyrate.
Peptide
Liraglutide
Outcome
IncreaseBeta-hydroxybutyrate
Study
n = 1
Outcome group
Adverse events · Metabolic and weight
Studied dose
cumulative 18 mg · 3 daysAs given in this study (human).
Source sentences
Summary
Following the overdose, the patient was diagnosed with severe DKA (pH 6.9), with markedly elevated β-hydroxybutyrate and hyperkalemia.
1 context sentence(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
We present a case report of a 43-year-old female with type 2 diabetes mellitus who self-administered liraglutide at 10 times the recommended dose (cumulative 18 mg over 3 days).
Show in the study text Report a problemFND-4157850203
04HumanCase report or seriesSafety outcome
In a woman with type 2 diabetes, a massive liraglutide overdose was followed by hyperkalemia.
In plain wordsIn one woman with type 2 diabetes, a massive liraglutide overdose was followed by hyperkalemia.
Peptide
Liraglutide
Outcome
Not applicableHyperkalemia
Study
n = 1
Outcome group
Adverse events · Metabolic and weight
Studied dose
cumulative 18 mg · 3 daysAs given in this study (human).
Source sentences
Summary
Following the overdose, the patient was diagnosed with severe DKA (pH 6.9), with markedly elevated β-hydroxybutyrate and hyperkalemia.
1 context sentence(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
We present a case report of a 43-year-old female with type 2 diabetes mellitus who self-administered liraglutide at 10 times the recommended dose (cumulative 18 mg over 3 days).
Show in the study text Report a problemFND-4157850204

AI wrote and checked these results. AI can make mistakes, so check important results against the source.

Version history

PepBank keeps every version of the data on this study. Status changes from Retraction Watch, Europe PMC and Crossref are listed with their source.

Version 2Current
12 Oct 2026, 11:11 UTC
Study results updated
Version 1
9 Oct 2026, 03:04 UTC
First added · source update from Europe PMC

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