ChatGPT helps diagnose rare diabetes case

In March 20, a 24-year-old man named Cooper Myers sought assistance from ChatGPT to help him understand his unusual diabetes symptoms, as reported by NBC affiliate KXAN. Myers had been diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in 2020, despite not exhibiting typical symptoms and lacking the antibodies usually associated with the condition. Despite being fitted with an insulin pump, his blood sugar levels remained irregular, prompting him to explore alternative explanations.

Upon querying ChatGPT about his family's medical history and his own unique symptoms, Myers received an unexpected response suggesting the possibility of Maturity-Onset Diabetes of the Young (MODY). This form of diabetes, unlike Type 1 or Type 2, is a rare genetic disorder that impairs the pancreas' ability to release insulin properly. Remarkably, MODY can often be managed with oral medication rather than insulin injections.

Armed with this insight, Myers consulted his physician, who confirmed the diagnosis of MODY. This case highlights the potential of AI, such as ChatGPT, in aiding medical diagnoses, particularly in uncovering rare conditions that may be overlooked or misdiagnosed by traditional methods. Risto Miikkulainen, a professor and AI expert at the University of Texas, emphasized the significance of this case, noting that while AI typically provides common answers, it can still offer valuable insights into unusual and exceptional conditions that might elude conventional medical practitioners.