<prompt> Least life threatening condition in a diabetic patient is:Emphysematous cholecystitisEmphysematous pyelonephritisMalignant otitis externaMucor-mycosis  <response>: c Malignant otitis externaRef. Scott Brown, 8th ed., Vol 2; 1419Though all are life threatening complications in a diabetic patient but since Malignant otitis externa can be picked up early it being an external condition and therefore early management here, it is the least life threatening among the rest of the choices.Emphysematous infections in a diabetic are caused by fermentation of glucose by bacterial and fungal pathogens. Also due to immunocompromised state in DM, these infections of the internal organs may lead to perforation leading to high mortality. Mucormycosis being angio-invasive therefore spreads rapidly from nose to orbits to CNS and thus fatal. Malignant otitis externa may also lead to death, but for the reason mentioned, it is the least likely cause. 