EVALUATION OF THE ‘FOOT AT RISK’ IN DIABETES MELLITUS PATIENT

Abstract

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder which is characterized by multiple long-term complications that affect almost every system in the body. Foot ulcers are one of the main complications of diabetes mellitus. The present study was planned to nd the prevalence of foot problems and determine the risk factors leading to Diabetic foot. Methods:Total 140 type 2 diabetic patients were included; the demographic and clinical parameters were recorded and were tested for presence of neuropathy by means of pressure sensation examination using 10-gram monolaments. Vascular examination was done with ankle-brachial index measurement. Results: The mean age of the patients was 60.19 ± 12.21 years, and there were 93 (66.43%) were males and 47 (33.57%) were females. The prevalence of diabetic foot at risk reported to be 47.86%. Out of 67 patients with diabetic foot 34 (24.29%) had category 1 type with presence of LOPS ± deformity, while 33 (23.57%) had PAD ± LOPS based on task force of foot care interest Group ADA. A signicant association of foot category was found with peripheral arterial disease, anti-diabetic treatment used, level of education, and economic status. Asignicant increase in the age and duration of diabetes among the patients who developed foot at risk was noted compared to without foot at risk. Conclusion: Present study concludes presence of peripheral arterial disease, type of anti-diabetic drug, level of education and monthly income play very important role in development of diabetic foot in type 2 diabetic patients.