Diabetes Complications

Question 1

what causes microvascular complications of diabetes?

Answer 1

hyperglycaemia

Question 2

how often should those with diabetes get their eyes checked?

Answer 2

annually if low risk

Question 3

what is the back of the eye called?

Answer 3

the retina

Question 4

what is the optic disc?

Answer 4

where the nerves of the retina form the optic nerve

Question 5

what are the stages of retinopathy (best to worst)?

Answer 5

mild non proliferative
moderate non proliferative
severe non proliferative
proliferative

Question 6

what is another name for mild non proliferative retinopathy?

Answer 6

background retinopathy

Question 7

what are the types of haemorrhage that can be seen on fundoscopy?

Answer 7

dot
blot
flame

Question 8

what is a cotton wool spot on fundoscopy?

Answer 8

ischaemic areas

Question 9

what are hard exudates on fundoscopy?

Answer 9

lipid breakdown products

Question 10

what is IRMA?

Answer 10

intra retinal microvascular abnormalities

Question 11

what is often the first feature of diabetic retinopathy seen?

Answer 11

microaneurysms

a precursor

Question 12

when is a cotton wool spot concerning?

Answer 12

if there is more than one present

Question 13

why is new vessel formation worrying in diabetic retinopathy?

Answer 13

risk of larger haemorrhage

Question 14

how can bleeding in the retina present?

Answer 14

sudden changes in vision if large

floaters if smaller

Question 15

what is the mainstay of treatment of diabetic retinopathy?

Answer 15

pan retinal photocoagulation

Question 16

how does pan-retinal photocoagulation work?

Answer 16

reduces the oxygen requirement of the retina by killing parts

Question 17

what is done if a patient suffers a vitreal haemorrhage?

Answer 17

vitrectomy

Question 18

what is the treatment for diabetic macular oedema?

Answer 18

intravitreal anti-VEGF injections

Question 19

what is diabetic nephropathy?

Answer 19

progressive kidney disease caused by damage to the glomeruli

Question 20

what characterises diabetic nephropathy?

Answer 20

proteinuria

diffuse scarring of the glomeruli

Question 21

what are other names for diabetic nephropathy?

Answer 21

kimmelsteil-wilson syndrome

nodular glomerulosclerosis

Question 22

what microvascular change can be seen in diabetic nephropathy and how?

Answer 22

angiopathy of the capillaries

see on biopsy

Question 23

what are three consequences of diabetic nephropathy?

Answer 23

hypertension
reduced GFR
accelerated vascular disease

Question 24

what is a marker of high risk of diabetic nephropathy?

Answer 24

microalbuminuria

Question 25

what is the first line treatment for diabetic nephropathy?

Answer 25

ACE/ARB

Question 26

what are the four types of neuropathy associated with diabetes?

Answer 26

peripheral
proximal
autonomic
focal

Question 27

what is the most common diabetic neuropathy?

Answer 27

peripheral

Question 28

how does peripheral neuropathy present?

Answer 28

numbness, tingling and pain in a glove and stocking distribution

Question 29

what are three possible consequences of peripheral neuropathy?

Answer 29

charcot foot
painless trauma
foot ulcers

Question 30

what are the treatment options for painful neuropathy?

Answer 30

amitriptyline
duloxetine
gabapentin
pregabalin

Question 31

what proximal neuropathy can occur as a complication of diabetes?

Answer 31

diabetic amyotrophy

Question 32

how does diabetic amyotrophy present?

Answer 32

starts with pain in the thighs, hips, buttocks or legs
usually affects one side of the body
proximal muscle weakness
marked weight loss

Question 33

what effects can autonomic neuropathy have on the digestive system?

Answer 33

constipation
diarrhoea
gastroparesis
difficulty swallowing

Question 34

what effects can autonomic neuropathy have on the sweat glands?

Answer 34

prevent proper temperature regulation

gustatory sweating

anhidrosis

hyperhidrosis