Complications of Diabetes Mellitus Mnemonic

Are you struggling to memorize the Complications of Diabetes Mellitus? This simple mnemonic will help you recall diabetes mellitus complications with ease.

The Mnemonic: [Mnemonic Phrase]

Use the mnemonic “KNIVES” for diabetes mellitus complications

Kidney

Glomerular sclerosis; uraemia; hypertension; nephrotic syndrome; renal papillary necrosis; atherosclerosis of renal vessels; effects of hypertension

Neuromuscular

Peripheral neuropathy; mononeuritis; autonomic neuropathy; diabetic amyotrophy

Infective

Urinary tract, skin and soft tissue infection; tuberculosis; moniliasis; pyelonephritis

Vascular

Large vessel: ischaemic heart disease. Small vessel: micrangiopathy

Eye

Cataracts; background proliferative and pre-proliferative retinopathy; microaneurysms; maculopathy; fibrosis; retinal detachment; photocoagulation spots of retinal burns

Skin

Lipoatrophy and insulin sensitivity at injection site; necrobiosis lipoidica; granuloma annulare

Practical Application

Whether in a clinical setting or during an exam, the “KNIVES” medical mnemonic ensures you cover all critical aspects of complications of diabetes mellitus.