Diabetic angiopathy

In diabetes, both small and large blood vessels can be affected. Endothelial proliferation can reduce blood flow in small vessels.

In diabetic dermopathy, there is a purple red papule that develops, resolving with an atrophic brown scar. The brown is secondary to heme deposition around vessels.

Lesions of diabetic dermopathy are common on the shins of diabetics.

Large vessel disease is manifested by similar changes to those seen in atherosclerotic disease; cyanosis evolving to pallor, evolving to gangrene.

Treatment:

• There is no good treatment.
• Diabetic micro and macro vascular disease is probably less common in well controlled diabetics, and diabetics should strive for such control.
• Prevention of trauma is important in the prevention of diabetic dermopathy.

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