Two Doses to ICU or When Lactate Equals Glucose: Life‐Threatening Lactic Acidosis due to Metformin After Initiation of Semaglutide
Abstract
Glucagon-like peptide 1 agonists have emerged as a promising treatment option for diabetes. As the prescription of these agents is rapidly increasing, clinicians will need to familiarize themselves with the potential adverse events associated with their use. Nausea, vomiting, and poor oral intake are known side effects of GLP-1 agonists. In elderly patients with diabetes and multiple comorbidities who are on complex medication regimens, semaglutide can lead to clinically significant dehydration at a rapid pace. We report a case of a patient developing dehydration leading to acute kidney failure with life-threatening metformin-induced lactic acidosis. Close clinical and laboratory monitoring is advised when initiating semaglutide treatment in combination with other diabetic medications, especially in elderly patients.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Diabetes Treatment and Management
Hyperglycemia and glycemic control in critically ill and hospitalized patients
Bariatric Surgery and Outcomes
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Case Reports in Critical Care
- Publisher
- Wiley
- Volume
- 2026
- Issue
- 1
- Pages
- 3478800–3478800
- Publication date
- 1 January 2026
- Language
- EN