The Size of the Problem: Epidemiological and Economic Aspects of Foot Problems in Diabetes

Introduction: Diabetes is one of the most prevalent metabolic chronic diseases due to the imbalance production of insulin. One of the studies reported that in 2010 worldwide 285 million adults had diabetes and this figure may be increase to 439 million by the year 2030. Globally Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) constitute major health problem in people that significantly contribute to morbidity and mortality in diabetes patients. Approximate 1.0% to 4.1% of the annual population-based incidences of a diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) were reported. Due to this the lifetime may be as high as 25%. In Asian countries diabetic foot ulcer are major problems which are different from European countries or developing countries. From many studies reported diabetic foot problems in India are infectious and neuropathic in nature as compared to developed countries. According to World Health Organization (WHO) diabetic foot is defined as lower limb of a diabetic patient characterized by infection, potential risk of pathologic consequences ulceration or destruction of deep tissues associated with neurological abnormalities, various changes in peripheral neuropathy vasculopathy and superimposed infection that are mainly responsible foot ulceration. Ulcers are one kind of abscess which is difficult to treat because of poor wound healing that result from a combination of neuropathy, ischemia and hyperglycemia. Aim: The main objective was to study the outcome of treatment modalities and it’s relating factors to complication in diabetic foot ulcer. Material and method: Total 60 diabetic foot ulcer patients with the age range from 20 to 70 years were included. From all the patients’ detailed past and present history were recorded. For all the patients, general, physical and local and systemic examinations were also done. Detail laboratory examination like Fasting and Post Prandial Blood sugar levels, blood count, ECG, ESR, complete urine examination for the presence of ketone bodies and sugar, x-ray as well as culture and sensitivity of the discharge from ulcer were also done. Patients were treated with various treatment methods like conservative treatment, split skin grafting and amputation. Result: In this study male patients were more in proportion as compared to female. This study showed that maximum with the age group 14 -50 (43.3%) years old followed by 18.3% in 31-40 years old, 16.7% in 61-70 years old. 6.7% showed the least age group as 20 -30 years old. Out of total 60 patients, 38.3% of the patients showed diabetic ulcer foot which was more whereas 15% showed diabetic gangrene foot which was least. 25% showed diabetic cellulites foot and 21.7% showed as diabetic abscess foot. Conclusion: Globally as diabetes mellitus cases are increasing and it became rapidly the public health problem. This may be due to burden on economy, health system and on society to manage the diabetic foot problems. Diabetic foot management guidelines must be made into our practice protocols which may preventing limb loss, and decrease mortality and increase the quality of life of the patient. Hence for this it is only possible with the help of foot care education and health care workers. Hence, foot infection is to put first and care for it like hands. Keywords: Diabetes, foot ulcers, infections, amputations.

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