The diagnostic value of postmortem blood glucose determinations in cases of diabetes mellitus.

Abstract

In 24 cases of death in diabetic coma the peripheral venous blood showed glucose levels exceeding 3.5 mg/ml (mean value 7.76 mg/ml). In a control material of deaths of other causes the blood glucose was usually low and often zero, and all values were well below the lower limit of the diabetic concentrations. The acetone contents of the diabetic blood varied widely and were of limited diagnostic value. We conclude that glucose concentrations above 3.5 mg/ml in the peripheral blood indicate that death occurred in diabetic coma.

• Authors: H Gormsen, A Lund
• Journal: Forensic science international (Forensic Sci Int) 1985 Jun-Jul Vol. 28 Issue 2 Pg. 103-7 ISSN: 0379-0738 [Print] Ireland
• PMID: 4043894 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Blood Glucose
• Ketone Bodies

Topics

• Blood Glucose (analysis)
• Diabetic Coma (blood, diagnosis)
• Humans
• Ketone Bodies (blood, urine)
• Postmortem Changes