The prevalence, severity and risk factors of foot abnormalities in patients with diabetes mellitus at Thammasat University hospital

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence, severity and risk factors of foot abnormalities in subjects with diabetes mellitus.

Methods: A cross sectional study was performed in 180 subjects with diabetes mellitus; Type I and II who had diabetes more than one year. Questionnaires and physical examination were done. Foot abnormalities were defined as one of any abnormalities; skin and nail abnormalities, foot structure peripheral vascular disease and peripheral neuropathy. The prevalence of foot abnormalities in patients with diabetes mellitus was 48.3%, which were skin and nail abnormalities (67.78%), peripheral neuropathy (59.45%), peripheral vascular disease (55%) and foot structure abnormalities (5.56%). Positive risks of foot abnormalities are smoking (OR 3.76, 95%CI = 1.64-8.63), long diabetes duration (OR 5.55, 95%CI = 2.90-10.59), complication of diabetes mellitus (OR = 2.83, 95% CI =1.30-6.13) and previous foot ulcer (OR 3.55, 95% CI = 1.91-6.59). Current aspirin usage is a negative risk (OR 2.6, 95%CI = 1.14-3.73).

Conclusion: Smoking, long diabetes duration, complication of diabetes mellitus and previous foot ulcer are positive risks of foot abnormalities while current aspirin usage is a negative risk. Subjects with these risks should be aggressively evaluated and followed - up in order to prevent foot ulcer.

Key words: Foot abnormalities, diabetes mellitus, Thammasat University Hospital