Diabetes mellitus type 2 physical examination

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1];Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Seyedmahdi Pahlavani, M.D. [2]

Overview

Usually patients with diabetes mellitus type 2 have normal physical examination findings unless complications develop in these patients. Common physical examination findings include, pigmented skin patches and acanthosis nigricans.

Physical examination

Usually patients with diabetes mellitus type 2 have normal physical examination findings unless complications develop in these patients.

Appearance of the patient

Patients are usually well-appearing.

Vital signs

High blood pressure with normal pulse pressure may be find.

Skin

• Pigmented pretibial patches is seen in half of diabetic patients and it is associated to microangiopathic complications.
• Acanthosis nigricans, is a sign for 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 is a sign in patients with 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 or ankle edema are findings in late diabetes.

Neuromuscular

• Patient is usually oriented to persons, place, and time
• Bilateral sensory loss in the upper and lower extremities may develop as neuropathy progresses.