Thyroid Crisis Associated with Diabetic Coma

Abstract

THAT the coexistence of two metabolic disturbances such as thyrotoxicosis and diabetes mellitus can cause an increased severity in both conditions has long been recognized.¹ These two conditions reach their most extreme states in the form of thyroid crisis and diabetic coma. The recent treatment of a case combining these two extremes has prompted the writing of this report.Joslin and his co-workers have emphasized the high incidence of glycosuria and hyperglycemia in patients with hyperthyroidism.² In a large number of thyrotoxic patients they found that one third had fasting blood-sugar levels of over 130 mg. per 100 cc. Because . . .