Type II diabetes mellitus

CASE STUDY continued

Bruce’s friend Greg has been trying to support him throughout his journey. Greg is a 42-year-old IT- specialist, who suffers from Type II diabetes mellitus, which has been under control using an oral anti-hyperglycaemic medication and a reasonably healthy diet. Rather disturbingly, however, Greg has been experiencing numbness and some awkward tingling in his left foot recently.

Question 5 

Assuming that Greg’s present symptoms are associated with his Type II diabetes mellitus, explain the link between:

 Type II diabetes mellitus and Greg’s peripheral neuropathy (2 marks), and 

peripheral neuropathy and the potential for formation of leg ulcers (2 marks)

Question 6 

Although Greg takes an oral anti-hyperglycaemic medication, in the later stages of his condition, he may need to take insulin as well. Explain why insulin administration would be recommended in his case.