Balanitis: A Unique Presentation of Diabetes in an Elderly Male

While diabetes is a common medical condition, the initial presentation of patients with diabetes may vary. In some cases, different types of infections or inflammatory conditions may prompt a patient to seek medical attention. Males may present to their primary care provider with a bothersome inflammation of the penis that may be the first recognition of previously undiagnosed diabetes. Balanitis is an inflammation of the glans of the penis that may prompt a patient to seek medical care. While there are several different causes of balanitis, underlying medical conditions such as uncontrolled diabetes have been associated with balanitis. The genital irritation prompts patients to seek medical evaluation, and at that point diabetes is diagnosed. It is important for pharmacists to recognize that balanitis is a potential though uncommon type of diabetes presentation. It is also important for pharmacists to review other aspects of diabetes care once a patient is diagnosed with diabetes.