The blood glucose value is critical; negative ketones is consistent with type 2 diabetes. An elderly type 2 diabetic patient is at risk for hyperosmolar non-ketotic coma and osmolality should be measured.
A measurement of urine glucose would not be useful at this point.
A 70-year-old type 2 diabetic patient is comatose and in the emergency department. Stat blood glucose and serum ketones are ordered.
Blood Glucose: 650 mg/dL
Serum Ketones: Negative
What is the best conclusion?
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