Death caused by hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state at the onset of type 2 diabetes.

Seven obese African American youth were considered to have died from diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) due to type 1 diabetes, despite meeting the criteria for hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state and not for DKA. All had previously unrecognized type 2 diabetes, and death may have been prevented with earlier diagnosis or treatment.