Clinical features of type 1 and type 2 diabetes patients with suspected fungal foot infections: a single-center experience

Background/aim Fungal foot infections are common and increase the risk of diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) in patients with diabetes. We aimed to investigate the clinical features and related risk factors in type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with suspected fungal feet infection (SFFI) in an outpatient setting. Methods This is a single center, cross-sectional study. A total of 816 patients with diabetes patients were included in this study. Patients were divided into two groups according to the presence of clinical SFFI (group 1; SFFI ( +); n = 487 and group 2; SFFI (-); n = 329). Groups were compared in terms of demographic characteristics, disease information (type and duration of diabetes, diabetes treatment, presence of retinopathy, nephropathy, neuropathy, DFU, and hypertension), HbA1c level, daily foot care activities (frequency of foot washing, keeping toes dry after washing, religious habits, etc.), and skin condition. Results Signs of SFFI were detected in 59.7% of the patients. Type 2 diabetes, insulin treatment, female sex, and skin dryness were significantly more common among patients with SFFI ( p = 0. 000, 0.005,0.013, and 0.000, respectively). Religious habits and social lifestyle were not significantly different between groups ( p = 0.109 and 0.703, respectively). Retinopathy, neuropathy, and hypertension were more prevalent in patients with SFFI ( p = 0.006, 0.012, and 0.001, respectively). SFFI correlated with age and dryness of skin (OR:0.024, 95% CI: 0.959–0.993, p = 0.007; OR: 1.094, 95% CI: 2.484–3.589, p = 0.000 respectively). Conclusion Patients at risk of SFFI should be educated about regular nail and skin care, including prevention of dry skin conditions for early prevention of subsequent diabetic foot problems.