[Importance of osmolality in diabetic emergency-situations].

It is reported on 37 diabetic patients with coma or stupor. The discussion of the case histories leads to the conclusion that moderate hyperosmolality greatly affects the condition and prognosis of the patients. In those instances, where diabetic coma or stupor was complicated by pneumonia, myocardial infarction or shock, life could be saved only, when on admission osmolality or osmolarity was found to be lower than 334 mosm/kg and 328 mosm/1, respectively.