In 1971, 107 newly diagnosed black diabetics admitted to Harare Central Hospital, Rhodesia, were studied. Nine died before discharge. In 1977, 93 of the 98 patients discharged alive were traced but of these 38 (41%) had since died. Of 18 autopsies performed the cause of death was hypoglycaemia in 8 patients and hyperglycaemia in 4. Seven factors were associated with a poor prognosis: male sex, age, alcohol consumption, low body mass, high serum globulin in males, low serum albumin in females and referral to other than the teaching hospital diabetic clinic for follow up care.