Overview
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic condition requiring early detection and adequate treatment to prevent complications and maintain independence 1. Complications such as retinopathy, foot ulcers, nephropathy, and cardiovascular diseases are significant causes of morbidity and mortality in patients with DM 1.Diagnosis
Regular ophthalmological examination is necessary for timely detection of diabetic retinopathy 1.
Annual urine examination for albumin loss is recommended for all patients with DM older than 10 years 1.
Annual foot examination is recommended to identify high-risk feet and prevent foot disease 1.Management
Aiming for normoglycaemia and normotension is important for limiting damage from diabetic retinopathy 1.
Preventive measures for foot disease include patient education, adapted shoes, and preventive foot care 1.
Treatment of foot ulcers involves relieving mechanical pressure, addressing circulation issues, treating infection and edema, optimizing metabolic control, and wound care 1.
Management of diabetic nephropathy includes non-smoking and sufficient physical exercise 1.Key Recommendations
Regular ophthalmological examination is necessary for timely laser coagulation in diabetic retinopathy 1. (Evidence: Expert opinion)
Annual urine examination for albumin loss is recommended for all patients with DM older than 10 years to manage diabetic nephropathy 1. (Evidence: Expert opinion)
Annual foot examination is crucial for preventing foot disease in patients with diabetes 1. (Evidence: Expert opinion)References
1 van Ballegooie E, van Everdingen JJ. [CBO guidelines on diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of complication in diabetes mellitus: retinopathy, foot ulcers, nephropathy and cardiovascular diseases. Dutch Institute for Quality Assurance]. Nederlands tijdschrift voor geneeskunde 2000. link