Diabetes or diabetes mellitus is a common metabolic disease that causes a high level of blood sugar. In this chronic condition, there is an insufficient production of insulin which is responsible for moving sugar from the blood into cells.
The diabetologist’s tasks include diagnosing and treating all types of diabetes. They also treat diseases that are closely related to diabetes, such as –
A diabetologist also carries out preventive examinations with a view to the secondary diseases of diabetes.
Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) :
A common secondary illness resulting from diabetes is PAD. Due to the presence of deposits, blood flow and oxygen supply to the tissue in the blood vessels supplying the legs are reduced. Symptoms can include cold feet or pain in the legs when walking.
Diabetic Poly-Neuropathy (PNP) :
If a person’s blood sugar level remains elevated for years, functional damage to nerves can also occur. Depending on the form of impairment, different types of sensory disturbance develop, as does paralysis.
Diabetic Foot Syndrome (DFS) :
This concerns a serious complication resulting from diabetes. This occurs due to nerve damage (diabetic neuropathy) and circulatory problems occurring in the foot or lower leg. This leads to tissue death and ulcers. In a worst-case scenario, the amputation of limbs is necessary.
The treatment of diabetes includes the regular monitoring of blood pressure, blood glucose levels and the careful examination of the feet, to be able to make timely and appropriate adjustments to the therapy, for example:
Dietary changes and exercise :
Diabetes patients receive medical advice and training on how to optimise their diet, as well as on how to integrate exercise into everyday life.
Education on the Pathology And Possible Secondary Diseases :
Depending on the type, not only diabetes mellitus but also diseases associated with it are taken into account. Likewise: Secondary diseases such as peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAD) or diabetic polyneuropathy (PNP).
Oral antidiabetics :
Drug therapy with tablets.
Insulin therapy :
Administering insulin with pens, syringes or pumps.
Regular monitoring of the feet and legs during therapy with the aid of medical compression stockings.