The presence of a high concentration of glucose in vitreous humor at the time of autopsy is very abnormal. Since glucose concentrations universally decrease after death, the glucose concentration would have been even higher at the time of death. Severely high blood glucose, resulting from lack of her necessary medication, would have caused production of ketones and resulting acidity of the blood–a condition called diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).
Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a serious complication of diabetes that occurs when the body is unable to use glucose as a source of energy and begins to break down fats for energy instead. This process produces ketones, which can build up in the body and cause a dangerous condition called ketoacidosis. Symptoms of DKA include high levels of glucose in the blood, high levels of ketones in the urine, and high levels of acid in the blood (pH < 7.3).
In a medical-legal case involving glucose in the vitreous at autopsy and DKA, the issue may be whether the healthcare providers failed to properly diagnose and treat the patient's diabetes or DKA, leading to the patient's death.
For medical malpractice attorneys handling a case involving glucose in the vitreous at autopsy and DKA, it will be important to thoroughly review the patient's medical records and gather evidence to support the claim that the healthcare providers were negligent in their care. This may include expert testimony from medical professionals and other evidence, such as medical guidelines and standards of care for the management of diabetes and DKA.
Medical expert witness specialties involving glucose in the vitreous include forensic pathology.