Hyperosmolar non-ketotic diabetic coma: with particular reference to vascular complications.

Two West Indian men with no previous history of diabetes mellitus developed hyperosmolar non-ketotic diabetic coma. Intra-abdominal catastrophes secondary to mesenteric thrombosis played a major part in the death of these patients, in both of whom control of the hyperosmolar state had been achieved. Both patients had evidence of infarction of intestine at necropsy. Vascular thromboses are a major complication of this form of coma and must be considered when such patients develop signs of an acute abdomen.