Diabetic Complications

Question 1

What are the 3 microvascular complications of diabetes?

Answer 1

nephropathy
retinopathy
neuropathy

Question 2

What are some infection related problems?

Answer 2

Urinary Tract Infections
Pneumonia
Skin and soft tissue infections, particularly in the feet
Fungal infections, particularly oral and vaginal candidiasis

Question 3

What is diabetic nephropathy characterised by?

Answer 3

Characterized by glomerular hyperfiltration followed by microalbuminuria.
Preventive measures include ACEIs
or ARBs and BP/glucose control

Question 4

Describe diabetic neuropathy including autonomic dysfunction

Answer 4

Peripheral, symmetric, sensorimotor neuropathy leading to burning pain, foot trauma, infections, and diabetic ulcers.
Treat with preventive foot care and analgesics.

Late complications due to autonomic dysfunction include delayed gastric emptying, oesophagal dysmotility, impotence, and orthostatic hypotension

Question 5

What are macrovascular complications of diabetes?

Answer 5

Coronary artery disease is a major cause of death in diabetics
Peripheral ischaemia causes poor healing, ulcers and “diabetic foot”
Stroke
Hypertension

Question 6

How do complications of diabetes occur?

Answer 6

Chronic exposure to hyperglycaemia causes damage to the endothelial cells of blood vessels. This leads to leaky, malfunctioning vessels that are unable to regenerate.
High levels of sugar in the blood also causes suppression of the immune system and provides an optimal environment for infectious organisms to thrive.