A Retrospective Study of Risk Factors for Diabetic Foot Ulcers

Background and Objectives: Foot ulcers are one of the main complications in diabetes mellitus, with a 15% lifetime risk in all diabetic patients. The rate of lower extremity amputation among diabetic patients is 20–40 times higher than in non-diabetics. This study aimed to link the Diabetic foot ulcer with different risk factors. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional retrospective study was conducted in institute. Data of all patients presenting between Sept 2023 to August 2024 were analyzed for risk factors. Analysis was done on SPSS version 25. Results: Total of 1000 patient were seen during this period, out of which 620 patient data was picked up as it was complete in respect to the information needed. Middle age, Male gender, Type 2 diabetes, and Hypertension, were insignificantly co-related. High waist circumference, Comorbidity like Neuropathy, Dyslipidemia, Greater body mass index, Poor compliance with Medication and type of medication used (combination of oral and injectable) were found statistically significant predictor for DFU. However retinopathy was not found to be a risk factor of DFU. This result was statistically significant. Conclusion: Factors like obesity, waist circumference, combination of oral along with injectable therapies, neuropathy, dyslipidemia, retinopathy and poor compliance with medication were statistically significant and can be strongly linked with diabetic foot ulcer. Middle age, Male gender, Type 2 diabetes, and Hypertension were insignificantly co-related. However, Awareness of physicians about foot problems in diabetic patients, clinical examination and preclinical assessment, regular foot examination, patient education, simple hygienic practices and provision of appropriate footwear combined with prompt treatment of minor injuries can decrease ulcer occurrence by 50%.