Background: We studied the occurrence of unexpected and unexplained deaths in 0-39 year-old subjects with diabetes.
Material and methods: Statistics Norway provided information about persons who had died in the 1991-1995 period with a diagnosis of diabetes on their death certificate. Relevant information was obtained from autopsy reports and patients' physicians.
Results: 117 deaths from all causes were ascertained. Four patients (3.4%) fulfilled the criteria of "dead in bed" syndrome; three males and one female, age range 21-36 years, duration of diabetes 5-23 years. Severe episodes of hypoglycaemia were reported in three cases. Autopsy, performed in three cases, was negative.
Interpretation: Dead in bed syndrome in young persons with diabetes is a rare, but dramatic condition. The relationship to nocturnal hypoglycaemia remains hypothetical.