Abstract
In the time before a discovery of insulin diabetic decompensation (ketoacidosis or hyperosmolar syndrome) was the main cause of death of type 1 diabetics and one of the most frequent causes of death of type 2 diabetics. After discovery of insulin and potent sulfonyluea oral antidiabetics and their introduction into therapeutic practice, another quite frequent complication appeared - hypoglycaemia.
A development of lactic acidosis may be a side effect of treatment with biguanids. Recently, clinical importance of acute complications stepped behind thanks mainly to patient's education and blood sugar self-monitoring.
Nevertheless should they occur they remain an important cause of death of patients with diabetes mellitus.