A Prospective Assessment of the Clinic-Demographic Profile and Risk Factors of Diabetic Foot

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Abstract (English)

Abstract
Aim: The objective of the present study was to assess association between socio-demographic, behavioural and
clinical risk factors and diabetic foot and response of patients to various treatment modalities.
Methods: A prospective study was conducted in the General Surgery Department of Bhagwan Mahavir institute
of medical science, Pawapuri, Nalanda, Bihar, India for 7 months. 50 patients were included in the study. All
patients who presented to surgical outpatient department or were admitted to the surgical wards with signs and
symptoms of diabetic foot during the 7 months period were included.
Results: Out of 50 patients in our study, 20 (40%) were in the age group of 51-60 years followed by 13 (26%)
in the age group 61-70 years. There was a male preponderance in our study with 36 (72%) patients out of 50.
Majority of the study subjects were literate with overall literacy rate being 60%. 96% study subjects belonged to
low class. Among the 50 patients, 13 (26%) were unmarried showing lack of support and care and rest (74%)
were married. Labourers accounted for 34% of study participants, farmers constituted 30%, businessmen 18%
and others 18% of study subjects. Most of the participants had type II diabetes for >10 years. 80% of study
participants had family history of diabetes. 92% of study participants were overweight (BMI 25-29.9) and
remaining 8% were obese (BMI ≥30). Hypertension was present in 72% of study participants, ischemic heart
disease in 60% and hypercholesterolemia in 70%.
Conclusion: Diabetic foot is a common complication of long-standing diabetes. Several socio-demographic
factors like advancing age, low socio-economic status, lack of family support, occupations involving risk of
trauma to foot contribute to the risk of developing diabetic foot in diabetics. Hence it is essential to educate all
the diabetic patients at risk about good glycemic control, risk factors, proper foot care, periodic foot examination
and neurological examination of lower limbs, prompt treatment of foot lesions and regular follow-up.