Is walking barefoot a risk factor for diabetic foot disease in developing countries?

Area of Science:

• Podiatry
• Diabetology
• Public Health

Background:

• Walking barefoot is prevalent in developing countries, yet its link to diabetic foot disease is under-documented.
• Diabetic foot disease poses a significant health challenge, particularly in rural populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the causal link between walking barefoot and the incidence of diabetic foot ulcers.
• To assess the association between footwear use and diabetic foot disease risk.

Main Methods:

• Two clinical studies were conducted involving diabetic patients.
• The first study examined injuries in patients with recent foot ulcers.
• The second study analyzed the association between barefoot status and foot ulcers in 204 diabetic outpatients.

Main Results:

• 42.4% of foot ulcers were caused by sharp objects, with 84% of these occurring in barefoot individuals.
• Barefoot diabetics had a 2.21 times higher relative risk of foot ulcers compared to those wearing footwear.
• Reduced footwear use correlated with higher rates of foot ulcers and infections.

Conclusions:

• Walking barefoot is a significant risk factor for developing diabetic foot disease.
• Public health initiatives should emphasize consistent footwear use for diabetics in at-risk populations.
• Further research is needed on barefoot walking, rurality, and cultural influences on diabetic foot health.