[12] Diabetic Complications Flashcards
What are the macrovascular complications of diabetes?
MI
PVD
CVA
Why might MI as a complication of diabetes be ‘silent’?
Due to autonomic neuropathy
How might PVD as a complication of diabetes manifest?
Claudication
Foot ulcers
How is the risk of macrovascular complications in diabetes minimised?
Manage CV risk factors
What CV risk factors should be managed in diabetes?
BP
Smoking
Lipids
HbA1c
What BP should be aimed for in diabetes?
<130/80
What is the effect of good glycaemic control in diabetes?
It prevents both macro- and micro-vascular complications
What screening is given in diabetes to check for complications?
Fundoscopy
Albumin:creatinine ratio
Foot checks
What happens in diabetic feet?
Ischaemia
Neuropathy
What can result from ischaemia in diabetic feet?
Critical toes
Absent pulses
Ulcers
How do ischaemic ulcers on diabetic feet present?
Painful
‘Punched-out’
Where do diabetic foot ulcers due to ischaemia occur?
Foot margins and pressure points
What is the problem with neuropathy in diabetic feet?
Loss of protective sensation
What can neuropathy in diabetic feet lead to?
Deformity
Injury or infection over pressure points
Ulcers
What deformities can result from neuropathy in diabetic feet?
Charcot’s joints
Pes cavus
Claw toes
Where do diabetic foot ulcers caused by neuropathy occur?
Metatarsal heads and calcaneum
What is involved in the conservative management of diabetic feet?
Daily foot inspection, e.g. with mirror
Comfortable/therapeutic shoes
Regular chiropody to remove calluses
When is medical management of diabetic feet required?
When there is infection
What antibiotics are used when diabetic feet are infected?
Benpen + fluclox + met
When is surgical management of diabetic feet indicated?
Abscess or deep infection
Spreading cellulitis
Gangrene
Suppurative arthritis