Postmortem Diagnosis of Diabetes Mellitus as a Cause of Death

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is estimated to become one of the most serious health problems in the world in near future. It is one of the most common causes of natural death due to its fatal acute complication, particularly diabetic ketoacidosis. Since there are no specific gross and microscopic characteristics in diagnosis such a condition, its relevant biochemical analyses is essential to confirm the diagnosis, especially vitreous glucose, blood beta-hydroxybutyrate, and blood HbA1c level. These biochemical analyses can be performed in all unexplained deaths, even in the corpse with advanced decomposition. Therefore, forensic physicians who perform postmortem examinations should be aware of the relevant biochemical substances, alternative postmortem biological samples, and the limits of the available analyses and techniques.
Correspondence to: Supawon Srettabunjong, MD, Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand. E-mail address: supawon.sre@mahidol.ac.th