Value of the test of spontaneous reduction of nitroblue tetrazolium in diabetes decompensation.

Nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) test was performed in forty-four diabetic patients of both sexes ranging in age from 15 to 64 years. Some of the patients were tested both before and after diabetes compensation. In cases of decompensated diabetes caused by dietary errors or by inadequate dosage of the antidiabetic drugs, NBT results were within normal range. Significantly higher values were observed in decompensation of diabetes caused by bacterial infection. This observation may be used to detect the real cause of diabetes decompensation.