Disturbances of skin microcirculation in lower extremities in diabetes mellitus:a pathophysiological phenomenon or an object for therapy?

Abstract

Functional microcirculatory abnormalities in the foot have been given much attention in the recent years for their potential pathogenetic role in thedevelopment of diabetic neuropathy and diabetic foot syndrome. This paper reviews data on the disturbances of skin microcirculation in lower extremitieswith reference to the role of neuropathy and endothelial dysfunction in this pathology. Possible relationships between end-stage renal disease, highplantar pressure and compromised skin microcirculation are discussed. The influence of several drugs on foot skin microcirculation and prospects fortheir use for therapeutic purposes are considered.

Keywords

• diabetes mellitus
• microangiopathy
• microcirculation
• polyneuropathy