Journal Published Online: 01 January 1977
Volume 22, Issue 1

Sudden and Unexpected Deaths After the Acute Onset of Diabetes Mellitus

CODEN: JFSCAS

Abstract

Sudden unexpected death after the acute onset of diabetes mellitus is relatively rare. Diabetes usually presents with the classical symptoms of polydipsia, polyuria, polyphagia, and loss of weight, but in some instances diabetic coma may be the initial symptom. If the cause of the coma is not diagnosed before death or if the individual dies without medical attendance, these instances may be referred to the medical examiner. Herein are presented four such deaths; three occurred at home while the fourth occurred in a hospital. In none of these cases was the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus made prior to demise.

Author Information

DiMaio, VJM
University of Texas Health Sciences Center, Dallas, Tex.
Sturner, WQ
Laboratory Medicine, Brown University, Providence, R.I.
Coe, JI
University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minn
Pages: 5
Price: $25.00
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Stock #: JFS10379J
ISSN: 0022-1198
DOI: 10.1520/JFS10379J