A PROSPECTIVE STUDY ON DIABETIC FOOT ULCER AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG DIABETIC PATIENTS

Nadeem Mahshooque T. C.*, Sanjay Sreekumar K., Dhanya G. Pillai, Samar P. and Swathi Krishna

ABSTRACT

Background: Studies about prevalence and risk factors of diabetic foot has much importance, because it is one of the most common complication of diabetes mellitus. Objective: To determine the rate of occurrence and influence of lifestyle and duration of diabetes in foot ulcer. To determine the glycemic level changes with interaction of hypoglycemics with the drugs used of foot ulcer. Methodology: A prospective observational study conducted at PVS Hospital (P) Ltd, Calicut. The necessary data were collected from patient medical charts by using the data collection forms. Diabetic patients treated with at least one anti-diabetic drug with or without comorbidities were included. Results: Out of 200 collected data39 patients had diabetic foot. Diabetic patients who had neuropathy were 12.25 times more likely to develop diabetic foot ulcer as compared to those diabetic patients without neuropathy (OR= 12.25; 95% CI: 5.146, 26.66; P < 0.0001). History of previous amputation, peripheral vascular disease, poor foot self-care practice, and smoking were other risk factors to develop diabetic foot ulcers. Percentage reduction in fasting blood sugar was seen more while taking triple therapy of antibiotic (28.37%) than the monotherapy of antibiotic(18.46%). Conclusion: The prevalence of diabetic foot ulcer among diabetic patients was found to be 19.50%. Neuropathy, previous amputation, peripheral vascular diseases and foot self- care practice were factors significantly associated with diabetic foot ulcer. Antidiabetic agents had an additive effect or synergistic effect when taken together with antibiotics which were used to treat diabetic foot ulcer.

Keywords: Diabetic foot ulcer, lifestyle influence, hypoglycemic interactions.