Steven Brooker (64), of Bracken Road, died in October last year at the end of a 12-day spell in the hospital.

Mr Brooker, a retired training officer, was a diabetic with high blood-pressure levels and extremely high blood-sugar levels when he was admitted to the intensive care unit suffering from abdominal pain.

He was put on a ventilator and an x-ray showed bowel illness linked to diabetes.

The coroner's court in Petersfield heard that Mr Brooker did not wake up when medication to treat his condition was reduced.

He deteriorated and despite an operation on his bowel, he remained unwell and showed signs of brain failure.

A decision was made for him to receive palliative care before his death.

Coroner David Horsley said: "There seems to be nothing wrong with regards to his treatment in the hospital. His death seems largely due to the diabetes that he suffered.

"On the basis of that evidence I feel that the verdict I must reach with Mr Brooker's death is due to natural causes."