Clinical Management of Diabetic Dermopathy

Recognition and Diagnosis

• The American Diabetes Association recommends evaluating for diabetic peripheral neuropathy using 10-g monofilament testing and 128-Hz tuning fork vibration assessment in patients with diabetic dermopathy, as dermopathy strongly correlates with microvascular complications 1

Primary Management Strategy

• The American Heart Association suggests controlling blood pressure to slow progression of microvascular disease, with targets to be determined by individual patient needs, and optimizing lipid control, particularly considering fenofibrate in patients with concurrent retinopathy and dyslipidemia 2, 1

Monitoring and Follow-Up

• The American College of Cardiology recommends reassessing for microvascular complications at least annually, with more frequent monitoring if complications are detected, in patients with diabetic dermopathy 2, 1