Assessment and management of diabetes mellitus

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a common medical condition, which is estimated to affect approximately 4% of the adult population and is present in 10–20% of all UK hospital inpatients. Expenditure on DM accounts for approximately 10% of the UK health budget.

DM is characterized by both microvascular and macrovascular complications. Microvascular complications affecting the eye (retinopathy), the kidneys (nephropathy) and feet (neuropathy) are unique to the diabetic condition. However, macrovascular complications, including an increased risk of coronary heart disease, cerebral vascular disease and peripheral vascular disease, account for 75% of mortality, and occur at a much younger age compared to the non-diabetic population.

Early assessment, diagnosis and management of patients are essential for reducing the incidence of diabetes and also minimizing the complications. In recent years there has been a huge increase in therapeutic options.