Diabetic Foot Lesions on Rise, Investigating Predicting Factors in a Developing Country

Background: Diabetic foot lesions (DFL) are one of the devastating complications of diabetes mellitus (DM). Numerous factors interlinked to cause DFL which starts as ulcer & end up as amputation. Apart from the direct effect on individuals it has indirect impact on society in terms of decreased productivity. Large scale preventive programs targeting predicting factors of DFL are needed to minimize its burden. The aim of this study is to investigate multiple predicting factors of DFL on poor, limited resources community to aid in fighting this disease. Materials & Methods: This is an analytical case control study conducted in Jabir Abu Alaiz diabetic centre in Khartoum Sudan in june & july 2014. 88 adult DFL patients were enrolled as cases & 182 adult diabetic patients were enrolled as controls. Data were collected on DM duration, glycaemic control, neuropathy, vasculopathy, retinopathy, feet deformity, history of ulcers among demographic & other variables. Frequency matching was done on design stage. Bivariate & multivariate analysis were conducted for multiple possible predicting factors. Results: Recurrent ulcers (OR 3.525 95% CI (1.66-7.48) p-value (0.001)), & feet deformity (OR 3.186 95% CI (1.6-6.3) p-value (0.001)) proved to be statistically significant predicting variables. Suboptimal foot care clinics visits & diabetic foot wear was observed. Conclusion: Recurrent ulcers & feet deformity are predicting factors to DFL among others. Those diabetic patients should be aware about suitable preventive methods against DFL. Health education about foot care clinics role & enhancement of their utilization beside diabetic foot wear is mandatory.