A novel heterozygous likely pathogenic SLC5A2 variant in a diabetic patient with glucosuria and aminoaciduria

Familial renal glucosuria (FRG) is a rare renal tubular disorder characterized by increased urinary glucose excretion despite normoglycemia. It is most commonly caused by pathogenic variants in the solute carrier family V member 2 (SLC5A2) gene. This gene encodes the sodium-glucose cotransporter 2, crucial for glucose reabsorption. We report the case of a 44-year-old male referred to the endocrinology outpatient clinic for unexplained glucosuria despite well-controlled diabetes mellitus with metformin and gliclazide therapy. His main complaints were nocturia and an unintentional 5 kg weight loss in 1 year. A 24-h urinary collection revealed overt glucosuria (23.3 g/1.73 m2/24 h), generalized aminoaciduria, and increased uric acid excretion (fractional excretion: 6.4%). Whole-exome sequencing revealed a novel heterozygous c.469-1G>A likely pathogenic variant in the SLC5A2 gene. Specific analysis of the maturity-onset diabetes of the young type (MODY) gene panel showed no pathogenic variants in the hepatocyte nuclear factor-1A (HNF-1A; MODY3) nor in other MODY-associated genes. We assume that the association of glucosuria, aminoaciduria, and increased uric acid excretion can be explained by the combination of diabetes and the likely pathogenic SLC5A2 variant in this patient. In conclusion, we describe a well-controlled diabetic patient with FRG, associated with a novel heterozygous c.469-1G>A likely pathogenic variant in the SLC5A2 gene.

The diagnosis of a renal tubular disorder should be considered in patients with unexplained glucosuria and diabetes mellitus, especially if the latter is well controlled. FRG usually presents with glucosuria but may be associated with generalized aminoaciduria and hyperuricosuria. Genetic analysis should be considered in patients with young-onset diabetes and glucosuria, particularly with a positive family history.