Examination of diabetic PT

Physical examination
Patients with diabetes mellitus type 2 usually have normal physical examination findings unless
complications develop in these patients.[1]

Appearance of the patient

Patients are usually well-appearing.

Vital signs
High blood pressure with normal pulse pressure may be seen.

Skin
 Pigmented pretibial patches is seen in half of diabetic patients and it is associated with
microangiopathic complications.
 Acanthosis nigricans is suggestive of insulin resistance.

HEENT
Periorbital edema is a finding in patients with diabetic nephropathy.

Neck
Carotid bruits may be auscultated unilaterally using the bell of the stethoscope, it is a sign
suggestive of atherosclerosis.

Lungs
Normal auscultation.

Heart
Normal findings unless complications occur which may lead to heart failure with preserved
EF (HFpEF).

Abdomen
Normal physical examination findings.

Extremities
Signs of pretibial myxedema or ankle edema are findings in late diabetes.

Neuromuscular
 The patient is usually oriented in person, place, and time.
 Bilateral sensory loss in the upper and lower extremities may develop
as neuropathy progresses.