Different Factors Predicting Diabetic Foot Ulcer Development

Abstract

Background: Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is a common complication of diabetes mellitus (DM) that has spread over recent decades. DFU is considered as a major source of morbidity and a leading cause of hospitalization in diabetic patients, so identifying the contributing factors in DFU development is crucial. Objective: we aim to identify the factors predicting the risk of DFU occurrence and its risk stratification in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Minia university hospital. Methods: 200 patients with type 2 diabetes mellites were assigned to a questionnaire of sociodemographic characteristics, diabetes treatment and smoking, and a foot risk classification system after a foot examination. Results: The highest proportion of patients, (35%) were categorized as having a high risk. Results showed a statistically significant association between the IWGDF score and age (p = 0.001), income (p = 0.006), education (p < 0.001), smoking (p < 0.001), and DM duration (p < 0.001). A higher proportion of patients aged 60 years or above, illiterate, current smokers, having low income, and having DM for >10 years are being classified as having a high risk. Conclusion: DFU development is associated with old age, low income, low education, smoking, and long duration of DM.