Hyperosmolar non-ketotic diabetes

Abstract

Summary: Hyperosmolar non-ketotic crises occur chiefly in mild, maturity-onset diabetics, yet present a medical emergency carrying a high mortality. This may in part be due to a lack of awareness of the clinical presentation, and of the principles of treatment. Five cases are described, in all of which excessive consumption of Lucozade, a proprietary ‘glucose’ drink, played an important part in the development of their hyperosmolar state.