[Diabetic coma and bases of proper treatment]

Hyperglycaemic, hyperosmolar coma developing in diabetes mellitus-with or without ketoacidosis-is a perilous metabolic catastrophe, preserving its clinical importance even nowadays. The features of the two basic forms of diabetic coma, the development and characteristics of clinical symptoms and laboratory alterations caused by absolute or relative lack of insulin are reported by the author. The importance of early diagnosis and up-to-date intensive treatment is emphasized, regarding the need of decreasing of the still now considerable mortality rate. Fundamental principles of the therapeutic interventions are the following: improvement of the microcirculation through appropriate compensation of fluid and elektrolytes, intravenous or intramuscular administration of low-dose insulin, prevention of hypokalemic condition, and correction of acidosis under pH 7,1 value. Moreover, the well-planned supportive treatment is also essential: prevention of thromboembolism, averting the occasional development of shock caused usually by infections, and prophylaxis of the often fatal cerebral oedema. The estimation and follow-up of osmolality and the prevention of rapid changes in serum glucose and electrolyte levels are of particular importance in every cases. Careful observation of the patients regarding the cardiorespiratory and renal functions is of great significance in both (first and second) phases of the treatment. Improvement of patients' education, controlled care of diabetic patients, reduction of the number of recidive cases and increasing knowledge regarding diabetes among the general practitioners are determined by the author as the future possibilities for the prevention of this severe metabolic disorder.