Diabetes Physical Examination

The physical examination of the patient with diabetes may have revealed findings that confirm the diagnosis, classify the type of diabetes, and begin to evaluate for the macro- and microvascular complications of diabetes and significant comorbid conditions. While screening for the diagnosis of diabetes occurs with assessment for abnormal blood glucose, given the high rates of morbidity and mortality associated with diabetes, utilization of the physical examination plays a key role in identifying patients at risk for the complications of diabetes. The discussion of elements of the physical examination relevant to the patient with diabetes, both type 1 and type 2, will be discussed in this article.