[Hypoglycemia with loss of consciousness during insulin therapy as an initial symptom of Addison's disease. Report of 2 cases].

Within a six-month period, two type-I diabetics were admitted because of labile metabolic state with recurrent severe hypoglycaemia and unconsciousness. In both patients electrolytes were normal on admission. There were at first only few pointers to Addison's disease. But in both primary adrenocortical insufficiency was demonstrated to be the cause of the symptoms. Serological tests suggested an autoimmune genesis. Recurrent severe hypoglycaemia and unconsciousness in insulin-treated diabetics indicates that adrenocortical insufficiency should be excluded.