FREQUENCY OF COMMON RISK FACTORS OF DIABETIC FOOT ULCERS (DFU)

Abstract

Introduction: Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is now one of the most common non-communicable diseases globally. Between 2009 and 2034, the number of people with diagnosed and undiagnosed diabetes will increase from 23.7 million to 44.1 million in US. Complications from diabetes, such as coronary artery and peripheral vascular disease, stroke, diabetic neuropathy, amputations, renal failure, and blindness are resulting in increasing disability, reduced life expectancy and enormous health costs for virtually every society. Foot ulcers are a common complication of diabetes mellitus, and these lesions frequently become infected.

Objective: To determine the frequency of common risk factors leading to diabetic foot ulcers (DFU).

Material and Method: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at Surgical C Ward Hayatabad Medical Complex Peshawar. Sample size was 179 and non-probability consecutive sampling technique was used for sample collection.

Result: Out of 179 patients   114(63.7%) were male and 65(36.3%)were female. Mean age of patients was 51 years with SD ± 1.26. Visual Impairment, PN and PAD was found in 32.4%, 32.4% and 30.2% of patients respectively. Left foot was more commonly affected (63.7%) compared to right foot (36.3%). There was significant association of diabetic foot ulcer with duration of diabetes and duration of diabetic foot ulcer.

Conclusion: Our study concludes that peripheral neuropathy, peripheral arterial disease is recognized risk factors for foot ulceration. These risk factors should be taken into consideration while educating diabetic patient.