Vagabond's Diabetes

Abstract

To the Editor.— In 1874, Lehmann 1 made the observation that dogs which had fasted developed glycosuria upon resumption of feeding. Some years later, it was noted that vagrants developed glycosuria following hospitalization and resumption of feeding, and, hence, the term vagabond's diabetes was coined. This entity has since been called post-starvation diabetes, post-starvation hyperglycemia, or starvation diabetes. Two cases illustrate the development and natural course of this disorder. Report of Cases.— These cases occurred in a pair of 18-year-old youths who fled Cuba on a raft. A few hours after embarking, the raft overturned, resulting in a loss of most provisions, but the fresh water supply was saved. On physical examination, one patient was discovered to have a palpable, tender liver edge and slight elevations in transaminase and lactic acid dehydrogenase levels, which disappeared later and were not thought contributory to the other findings. The other patient showed a