Diabetes mellitus is a chronic multisystemic disorder charcaterized by high levels of sugar in the blood with serious effects on the gastrointestinal tract, genitourinary system and soft tissues. The long-term effects of diabetes are mainly related to vascular diseases, neuropathy, and an increased susceptibility to infections. There is no cure for diabetes but can be managed by proper diagnosis as it is associated with other conditions like retinopathy, cardiomyopathy etc.

Imaging is key tool for identifying vascular disease and soft tissue, articular and bony complications. Radiographs and CT are used for anatomic information. Bone and leukocyte scintigraphy are used to differentiate infection. MRI is the primary modality for evaluation of diabetic foot. Preoperative nuclear imaging is used extensively in patients with diabetes because cardiovascular disease is more prominent in diabetic patients.