A review of peripheral arterial disease in diabetes mellitus

Abstract

There is an unrelenting global increase in the incidence and prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) with its attendant cardiovascular complications. Macrovascular complications such as peripheral arterial disease (PAD) are major consequences of DM. This review briefly summarizes the broader literature on the burden of PAD in persons with diabetes. It focuses on useful investigations especially the role and the appropriateness of the ankle brachial pressure index (ABPI) in a resource constrained setting. Furthermore it also discusses the pertinent pathophysiological principles and ideal wholistic management strategies with emphasis on the cost effective management of the cardiovascular risk factors.