[Peripheral artery disease with diabetes mellitus]. / Periphere arterielle Verschlusskrankheit bei Diabetes mellitus.

Patients with peripheral artery disease and diabetes mellitus are vulnerable with an increased risk for morbidity, amputation and mortality compared to non-diabetic patients with peripheral artery disease. Despite huge efforts of the health care system diabetes mellitus still represents an important risk factor, also in people with peripheral artery disease. Regardless of the presence of diabetes mellitus people are often not aware of peripheral artery disease or do not achieve optimal therapy. Further, only few people with peripheral artery disease consult an angiologist or vascular surgeon. Aiming to reduce morbidity and mortality prevention, early detection and optimal therapy of peripheral artery disease and diabetes mellitus are crucial factors in adequate health-care management.