Tuesday, June 10, 2014

Type Two Diabetes and Arcus Senilis


Share The literature is full of the pros and cons of treating type two diabetes. Diagnosis remains the first step. There are probably as many undiagnosed cases of diabetes as there are of hypertension. T2D may be way down the list of multiple problems or due to limited time and other presenting complaints, not considered in a hurried clinic visit. Arcus Senilis, however, a gray ring around the outer edge of the cornea, presents a fairly reliable sign of T2D. Your skill in looking and using all of your senses when you encounter a patient, remains the most sophisticated and flexible diagnostic instrument of all. If you recall, Hippocrates diagnosed T2D by dipping his finger in the patient's urine and tasting it. One could have a full practice and a quality one at that by limiting him or herself to hypertension, lipidemia and diabetes. The diagnostic criteria for all three has been in place for over fifty years. However, the profession at large has been slow to applying that criteria to the general population. You might forgo the taste test, or try it out of curiosity.