[Novel methods in diabetes mellitus diagnosis]

Analysis of the lacrimal fluid was carried out for the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus in 68 patients. Collection of tears is absolutely painless, atraumatic, and involves virtually no risk of viral infections. Analysis of the lacrimal fluid is particularly valuable for repeated analyses over the course of disease. A method for postmortem diagnosis of diabetes mellitus and hyperglycemic coma by measuring glucose in the vitreous body is suggested. The content of glucose in the vitreous higher than 17 mmol/liter is a specific marker indicating death from hyperglycemic coma.