SCREENING FOR COMPLICATIONS OF DIABETES MELLITUS

Introduction: Diabetes is considered one of the main causes of end-stage renal disease, blindness, and nontraumatic lower-limb amputation. It has also been an important cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality and the estimated to be the 7th leading cause of death in the US alone. The economic burden of diabetes in the US in 2012 was estimated to be more than two hundred billion. Much of the disability and cost linked with diabetes are linked to the care of chronic complications. Aim of work: In this review, we will discuss the most recent evidence regarding screening for diabetes complications. Methodology: We conducted this review using a comprehensive search of MEDLINE, PubMed, and EMBASE, January 1985, through February 2017. The terms used in the search were: diabetes, complications, screening, primary care settings. Conclusions: Diabetes is considered the main cause of end-stage renal disease, blindness, and nontraumatic lower-limb amputation. The greatest decrease in cardiovascular complications have been seen when multiple risk factors like hypertension, dyslipidemia, and hyperglycemia are well targeted at the same time. The advantage of taking aspirin as secondary prevention in patients with previous stroke or myocardial infarction has been well studied. Dilated eye examinations are very efficient in diagnosing eye -threatening diabetic retinopathy and have been linked to prevent blindness. The combined use of appropriate tools and clinical examination/inspection has been proven to provide greater than eighty percent specificity in the diagnosing of diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Early management of risk factors, involving hypertension, hyperglycemia, and dyslipidemia can delay or prevent diabetic nephropathy