Sudden and Unexpected Deaths After the Acute Onset of Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

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.