A Study of Risk Factors of Diabetic Foot Ulcers

Background: Diabetes mellitus is rapidly increasing at alarming rate. 1 Diabetic foot ulceration is the most common complication of diabetes. Multiple risk factors are involved in its development. Aim: To evaluate the risk factors responsible for foot ulceration in diabetic patients. Methods: A total of 127 patients with foot ulcers were included in this study. Through history, clinical, finding & investigations were recorded. Foot lesions were graded as Wagner's classification. Appropriate medical and/or surgical treatment was given. Data were collected on special proforma for analysis. Results: Out of 127 patients 74% were male. Right foot was more commonly involved in 66.9% of the patients. 61.4% had diabetes of more than 10 years. Neuropathy was present in 88.97% patients. 70.86% had poorly controlled diabetes. According to Wagner's classification 74.01% patients had grade 1, 7.08% had Grade 2(4.72%) had Grade 3(11.81%) had Grade 4 and 2.36% had Grade 5. Soft tissue infection was present in 74% patients; most common organism cultured was staphylococcus aureus was isolated in 73.2% patients. Osteomyelitis was found in 13.38% patients. Surgical intervention was performed in 83.46% patients. Healing was done in 16.53% after local wound care. Amputation was done in 15.74% patients. Conclusion: Lake of awareness, male sex, older age, bare foot walking, peripheral neuropathy, neuroishemia and longer duration of diabetes all are major risk factors in the development of diabetic foot ulcers. Patient's education about these risk factors remains paramount importance in controlling the disease