[Diabetic coma--an unnecessary death]

Diabetic ketoacidosis remains a significant cause of death in cases of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM). Among patients hospitalised for diabetic ketoacidosis, the death rate is 5-10 per cent, cardiovascular disease, infection, and ARDS (adult respiratory distress syndrome) being major contributory factors, whereas the degree of acidosis does not differ from that among survivors. Ketoacidosis is a major determinant of the two-fold higher mortality among the youngest age-groups of IDDM patients. The age-specific incidence of ketoacidosis among patients under 20 years of age is several time higher than that among patients over 50. Intensified insulin treatment, using multiple injections or insulin pumps, probably results in an increased risk of insulin deficiency owing to the smaller insulin depots. Thus, there is a need of intensified testing for ketonuria and improved education of patients, physicians and other health care personnel, in order to promote the prevention or rapid, effective treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis.