Deep neck infection complicated by diabetes mellitus. Report of a case.

A poorly controlled diabetic patient who developed a life-threatening deep neck infection from a periodontal abscess is presented. Despite treatment reflecting the current surgical and medical approach to management of this infection, he failed to show the consistent improvement that would be expected in a nondiabetic patient. The physiologic differences in the defense systems of the diabetic versus the nondiabetic host are discussed, and general guidelines for identification of the diabetic patient are offered.