Diet-induced essential fatty acid deficiency in ambulatory patient with type I diabetes mellitus

We report a case of symptomatic essential fatty acid deficiency (EFAD) occurring in a free-living individual with type I diabetes mellitus who was voluntarily following a high-carbohydrate, fat-restricted diet. The patient was 43 yr old with type I diabetes for 18 yr and no chronic complications. His self-imposed diet excluded all red meats, fats, and oils. After several months of this diet, the patient developed lethargy and a pruritic, diffuse, scaly, and erythematous rash. Biochemical studies revealed a mildly elevated SGOT and abnormally low levels of linoleic, linolenic, and arachidonic fatty acids. Treatment with linoleic acid supplementation in his diet improved the rash, normalized SGOT, and corrected the fatty acid profile. We conclude that EFAD may occur in a free-living individual after consuming a very-low-fat diet.