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Diabetes mellitus is a major health problem in developed countries, and its prevalence is constantly increasing. It is a metabolic disorder characterized by chronic hyperglycemia with alterations in carbohydrate, lipid, and protein metabolism resulting from defects in insulin secretion and/or action. There are essentially two forms of diabetes mellitus: Type 1 diabetes, previously known as insulin-dependent, which primarily affects children and young adults, although it can begin at any age. It requires insulin treatment from the outset and is caused by the interaction between genetic predisposition and environmental factors. Type 2 diabetes, previously known as non-insulin-dependent, which is characteristic of adulthood, although it is increasing among adolescents, and accounts for approximately 90% of diagnosed diabetes cases. Patients with diabetes mellitus may experience numerous complications: Short-term complications of diabetes (ketoacidosis, hyperosmolarity, and coma) may result from improper management of the disease, incorrect insulin administration, or poor patient compliance with a diet.

Long-term complications result from poor long-term disease control and essentially include peripheral circulatory complications, retinopathy, nephropathy, and diabetic neuropathy. A complication that significantly impairs the quality of life of diabetic patients is lower limb amputation. Amputation is more frequently performed in patients with a history of suboptimal disease management; conversely, appropriate long-term glycemic control, education in disease self-management, and foot care are some of the interventions that can reduce the incidence of infection, neuropathy, and microvascular disease implicated in the development of gangrene.

The following indicators are calculated: 1. Hospitalization for uncontrolled diabetes (without complications); 2. Hospitalization for short-term diabetes complications; 3. Hospitalization for long-term diabetes complications; 4. Hospitalization for lower limb amputation in diabetic patients; 5. Hospitalization for diabetes complications. These indicators can serve as indicators of the appropriateness and effectiveness of the entire diabetes care and management process in a specific area, including in terms of health education and access to care.

Your doctor will address your concerns and guide you in making an informed choice about the treatment plan to follow. Contact him or her for all the information you need for your healthcare needs.