Diabetes Mellitus: An Overview in Relationship to Charcot Neuroarthropathy

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus with the lack of glycemic control increases risks for developing comorbidities affecting organ systems responsible for critical function. The development of diabetic neuropathy predisposes patients to the onset of Charcot neuroarthropathy (CN). There is significant complexity with treatment of diabetic-induced CN, which can have an often delayed or missed diagnosis. Supervision and treatment from trained specialists are required to provide care for this multifaceted disease process. It is essential for patients to partner with glucose control, comorbidity prevention and care, as well as lower extremity management. Ultimately, CN can result in significant lower extremity deformity placing patients at risk of limb and life.

Keywords: Charcot neuroarthropathy; Diabetes mellitus; Neuropathy; Type 1 diabetes; Type 2 diabetes; Ulceration.