BACKGROUND:

Diabetic ketoacidosis and hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state are acute complications of diabetes. These two overlap in one in four cases, and each endangers the life of the mother and the fetus. There is little information about the diagnosis and management of acute complications of diabetes in pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE:

To report the case of a pregnant woman without prenatal controls and without significant personal or family history who developed a mixed hyperglycemic crisis associated with eclampsia and death.

CLINICAL CASE:

21-year-old primigravida admitted at 33 weeks' gestation due to nausea, dyspnea and absence of fetal movements. She was drowsy and had high blood pressure values. Laboratory tests were consistent with a mixed presentation of diabetic ketoacidosis and hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state. Despite treatment, the patient developed eclampsia. Cesarean delivery was performed, extracting a newborn without fetal heartbeat. The patient evolved favorably with multidisciplinary management. She was discharged with glucose and blood pressure values within normal limits.

CONCLUSION:

Hyperglycemic crises in pregnancy are associated with maternal-fetal morbidity and mortality and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Early diagnosis of diabetes in prenatal checkups is essential to avoid this condition.