Question

           50 year old housewife complain of progressive weight loss; 20 lbs in 1 year, fatigue, slight memory loss and constipation. The patient has diabetes for 15 years.

Physical examination: –

Temperature: 96.8 ⁰F (36 ⁰C) Normal 37 ⁰C

Pulse: 82/min. (60 to 100/ min)

Blood pressure: 170 /100 mm/Hg. (120/80 – 140/90 mm/Hg)

Moderately obese. Speaks slowly with a puffy face. Pale cool skin. 3⁺ leg oedema.

Laboratory Studies: –

CBC and WBC diff normal, T4 3.8 µg/dl (4.5 – 12.5 µg/dl). Serum TSH 1 µg/dl (0.2 – 3.8 µg/dl), Serum cholesterol 255 mg/dl (<200 mg/dl).

What additional tests would you use to monitor the condition?

Answer 1

Likely Diagnosis - Peripheral neuropathy.

It is a disorder that occurs when these nerves malfunction because they’re damaged or destroyed. This disrupts the nerves’ normal functioning.